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Washington and its Environs 



AN ILLUSTRATED 



DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL 



HAND-BOOK 



TO THE 



CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 



I BY DeB: RANDOLPH KEIM, 

I Washington Correspondent^ 

i AUTHOR OF "i.HEKIDAN's TROOPERS ON THE BORDERS " AND ''SKETCHES 
OF SAN DOMINGO." 



Revised Annually.— Edition for 1874. 



WASHINGTON CITY: ; 
FOR THE COMPILER. 

1874. 



^OQJj^ 



■J 



-jfA / 



nil 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in tho year 1874, 

BY DeB, RANDOLPH KEIRI, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



M'GILL & WITHEROW, 

PKINTERS AND STERE0TYPER8, 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 



CONTENTS. 

3ee Alphabetical Index at the end of the Hand-book.] 



Page. 

Preface v 

General Information vii 

Hotels, vii— Lodgings, vii— Boarding, viii— Restaurants, viii — 
Railroads, viii — Steamers, ix— Street Cars, ix — Vehicles for 
hire, xii— City Post Office, xii— Mails, xii— Rates of Postage, 
xiii— Telegraph Offices, xiii— Churches, xiii— Theatres, xiv — 
General Amusements, xiv— Etiquette, Ceremonies, and For- 
malities, xiv — Distances from Washington, xix — Foreign Dis- 
tances, xix— Differences of Time, xx. 

Section I. 
Washington and the District of Columbia 1 

Washington, 1 — District of Columbia, 5. 

Section II. 
Description of the City 15 

Avenues, Squares, Statues, <tc. 

Section III. 
Pur>Lic Buildings and Grounds 55 

Historical Retrospect, 55— Capitol, 56 — History of Congress, 
118 — President's House, 121 — Department of State, 128— Treas- 
ury Department, 131 — War Department, 136— Navy Depart- 
ment, 140— Department of the Interior, 142— Patent Office, 
145— General Post Office, 151— Department of Justice, 154 — 
Department of Agriculture, 156— Naval Observatory, 1G3— 
Army Medical Musuem, 166— Government Printing Office, 
1G8— Winder's Building, 170— City Hall, 171— Arsenal, 172— 
Navy- Yard, 174 — Marine Barracks, 170- Magazines, 177 

Section IV. 
Places of General Interest 178 

Smithsonian Institution, 178— Corcoran Gallery of Art. 180 — 
Washington National Monument, 192-Armory, 190-Churches, 
197— Halls, 198— Newspaper Offices, 199— Public Schools, 201— 
Asylums, 202— Cemeteries, 205— District Government, 207— 
Markets, 209— Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

. (iii) 



IV CONTENTS. 

Section V. 
The En viBONS OF Washington 211 

Section VI. 

History of Washington 234 

Index 244 



List of Maps, Plans, and Diagrams. 

Map of the District of Columbia and suiTOuncIing coun- 
try, before title page. 

Plan of Washington, facing page 14 

Diagram of Main Bronze Door 67 

Plan of the Principal Floor of the Capitol 78 

Diagram of the Senate Bronze Door 90 

Diagram of the Floor of the Senate 98 

Diagram of the Floor of the House of Kepresentatives... 110 



Abbreviations . 

N"., S., E., W., north, northern, northward, south, &c., 
east, &c., west., &c. ; m., mile ; sq. m., square mile ; lbs., 
pounds; r., right; 1., left"; hr., hour; min., minute; yr., 
year; a., acres; av., avenue; st., street; yds., yards. 



PEEFACE. 



The necessity of a reliable and complete Descriptive 
AND Historical Hand-book to the Capital of the 
United States has long been felt. Warden's Geo,:^rapliical 
and Statistical Description of the District of Columbia, pub- 
lished in Paris in 1816, and the several editions of the Guides 
compiled by William Elliott, 1826 and 1830, and George Wat- 
terson, 1848, are really the only ones which possess the merit 
of original research. The productions of a similar character 
published since 1848, and especially the later ones, have been 
crude and imperfect, impositions in character and price, and 
noticeable only as containing the smallest amount of informa- 
tion for the largest amount'of money. 

The compiler of the present work hopes to avoid these 
objections at least, and to give to the public a Hand-book 
of attractive and useful descriptive information about all 
places of interest in and around Washington, and at the 
same time to supply some appropriate historical data which 
may be valuable to carry away as a souvenir of a visit to the 
Seat of Government. 

In the preparation of the historical portions of the Hand- 
book TO Washington and its Environs, original author- 
ities only have been examined, including the manuscript rec- 
ords, correspondence, and proceedings of the Commissioners 
charged with the superintendence of the building of the city, 
1791-1800 ; the correspondence of George Washington, Thom- 
as Jefferson, and others on the same subject ; the Statutes at 
Large ; official documents, from the establishment of the per- 
manent Seat of Government down to the present time; besides 
the writings of travelers and public men and files of news- 
papers. 

Eespecting the descriptive features, all points of interest 
in the city and surroundings, still in existence, have been 
personally visited and inspected. 

It is hoped, therefore, that the Hand-book will prove not 
only an invaluable companion on the spot, but an ever-wel- 
come and entertaining friend for future perusal and refer- 
ence at the home fireside. 

The compiler is under obligations to many of the oflicers 

(V) 



^^ PREFACE. 

of the Government ; and while clesh*ing to recognize their 
kindness, finds it diflicult to make distinctions by individuals : 
he therefore thanks them all. 

A map of the District, plan of tlie city, and several dia- 
grams have been introduced to facilitate inquiries and exami- 
nation. Many illustrations, engraved by J. C. Lyons, esq. 
and others, have also been added, to aid in recalling the 
appearance of the principal places. 

The general information has been compiled with special 
reference to the necessities of the stranger in the city, and, 
in connection with other useful matter, will be found to con- 
tain trustworthy intelligence respecting railways, hotels, 
churches, theatres, &c. The code of Etiquette in Washing- 
ton and Street-car Directory will be found particularly con- 
venient and valuable. 

The remaining features of the Hand-book will appear as 
the reader familiarizes himself with its contents. 

In a city like the capital of such a constantly expanding 
Republic as the United States of America there are never- 
ending changes. To keep pace with these, it is the intention 
to annually revise and augment the Hand-book to Wash- 
ington AND ITS Environs, so as to keep it at all times cor- 
rected to the latest period. 

The compiler does not presume that the Hand-book is 
faultless ; but to approximate such a degree of completeness, 
as far as practicable, will constantly be his endeavor. He 
will therefore be grateful for any errors or omissions pointed 
out or corrections suggested. These may be communicated 
by letter. 

DeB. R. K. 
Washington, D. C, 1874. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 




I HOSE who are influenced by a desire to visit tlie 
Xational Capital, when most attractive in point 
of beaut}" of nature and art, and without reference 
to the fashionable and congressional season, should 
arrive in May or June, or October or November. 
Tlie hottest months are July and August. The 

winters, on the other hand, are generally mild and beautiful. 

The health of the city at all seasous is unexceptionable. For 

official and social seasons see Etiquette. 

Hotels. — The iS'ational Capital has a number of hotels, 
some of which will compare favorably with the best in the 
country. They are all located upon or conveniently acces- 
sible to the different lines of street cars connecting tlie Ex- 
ecutive Departments with the Capitol and western and east- 
ern portions of the city. The following are the principal 
hotels and charges per day: The Arlington^ Vermont av., 
near H st. N., $5; Ebbitt, ¥ st., corner of 14th st. W., U 00; 
Willards\ Pennsylvania av., corner of 14th st. W., $4 50; 
MetrojjolitaiK Pennsylvania av., between 6th and 7th sts. W., 
$4; Imperial, E st. iS'., between 13th and 14th sts. W_., $4; 
and National^ Pennsjdvania av., corner of 6th st. W., $4. 
The hotels on the European plan are the St. Janies^ Penn- 
sylvania av., corner of 6th st. W., single rooms, one person, 
$1 to $2 ; double rooms, two persons, $2 to $6 ; the latter in- 
cludes parlor and bed-room; restaui-ant attached; and St. 
Marc, Penns5'lvania av., near 7th st. W., single rooms $1 to 
$2, double $2 to $3 ; restaurant attached. There are also 
other hotels on the American and European plans suited to 
all classes of persons, and at lower rates. 

Lodgings. — Persons desiring to pass some time in Wash- 
ington, and desirous of living retired, can find excellent lodg- 
ings in the vicinity of all tlie hotels, and in different parts of 
the city. The large transient population of the city has cre- 
ated an unusual demand for this stjde of accommodations, 
and every grade, from elegant suites down to unpretending 
single apartments, may be found. The rates for rooms 
(vii) 



Vlll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

would range from $25 for single rooms to $100 and upwards 
a month for suites. Persons remaining less tlian a month 
can also be supplied with quarters. 

Bdarding, — Many houses in which lodgings can be secured 
also provide daily board, ranging from $25 to $35 a montli for 
each person. The hotels also accommodate outside boarders 
at $45 a month for each person. 

Eestaurants. — A number of excellent restaurants can be 
found in all the business portions of the city. Frequently 
persons find it more convenient to have lodgings and take 
tlieir meals nearest where they may happen to be at the 
liour of dining. The charges at restaurants are about tlie 
same as at hotels or boarding-houses, according to grade. 
There are several excellent restaurants equal in appoint- 
ments to any in the large cities of tlie North. Cuisine 
excellent. 

Eaiiroads. — {See Table of Distances.) — Persons departing 
from Wasliington have a choice of several routes. 

North, East, and West.— Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad — Depot jSTE. corner of New Jersey av. and C st. 
NW., may be reached by the blue cars on Pennsylvania av. 
and tlie F-st. cars. Ticket Offices^ 485 Pennsylvania av. and 
the Depot. 

North, East, and West.— Baltimore and Potomac 
Railroad— Depot SW. corner of B and 6th sts. NW., may 
be reached by street cars on 9tli St., and witliin one square 
on Pennsylvania av. Ticket Offices., 13tli and 6th sts. and 
Pennsylvania av. and Depot. 

South and Southwest.— Southern trains leave from 
the Baltimore and Potomac Depot. Travellers may also 
leave Wasliington by the Potomac Ferry Company, at 
the foot of 7tli St. W., and take trains at tlie corner of King 
and Union sts., Alexandria, for Riciimond and New Orleans. 
Transfer coaches convey passengers from the Baltimore and 
Oliio Depot to the Baltimore and Potomac Depot and Poto- 
mac Ferry. 

Alexandria. — Local trains on tlie Alexandria and Wash- 
ington Railroad leave from the Baltimore and Potomac 
Depot about every hour during the da,y. 

Sleeping Cars are attach(^d to all through night trains. 
Tickets may be procured at railroad ticket offices. 

Baggage will be called for and checked to all the princi- 
pal cities of the United States, by leaving orders at the rail- 
road ticket offices. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. IX 

Steamers.— Alexandria— The Washington and Ai^ 
EXANDRIA Ferry steamers ply hourly each way between 
"\Vashin£i-toii and Alexandria daring- the da3^ Wharf foot of 
7th St., AVashington, and Kino- st., Alexandria. Fare, single 
trip 15 cents, round trij) 25 cents. 

Mount Vernon. — The steamer for Mount Vernon leaves 
the 7th-st. wharf daily, except Sundaj^, at 10 A. M. Return- 
ing, arrives at Washington at 4 p.m. Fare, $1.50, and ad- 
mission to mansion and grounds. 

QuANTico. — Potomac Steamboat Coinipany— Steam- 
ers leave daily, at 7 A. M., from the 7th-st. wharf, for Quan- 
tico, connecting with trains for Bichmond and the South. 

Potomac Landings.— The Palisades, on Mondays and 
Thursdays, 7 A. M., and Pilot Boy, on Tuesdays and Fridays, 
7 A.M., during navigation, from 7th-st. wharf. 

Baltimore and Intermediate Landings. — Three 
steamers a week, during the season of iiavigation, leaving 
Mondays, 7 P. M., Tuesdays, 9 P. M., and Fridays, 12 mid- 
night, from the 7th-st. wharf. 

IS'ew York. — The Washington and I^ew York steam- 
ers leave Fridays, from the foot of High st., Georgetown. 

Philadelphia.— Steamers leave Georgetown (Water st.) 
on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10 A. M., via canal, till navi- 
gation closes. 

Boston and ISTorfolk.— Steamers of the Washington, 
Norfolk, and Boston Line leave the 7th-st. wharf Mon- 
days and Tluu-sdaj^s, at 2 p. m., touching at all principal 
landings, and connecting with the Richmond and Boston 
steamers. This line usually suspends during the winter 
months. 

The wharves of all the Washington lines may be reached 
hy the 7th-st. horse-cars. 

Street Oars, — All parts of Washington may be reached by 
street-cars. 

Washington and Georgetown Street Railway, incor- 
porated 1S62, cars every 3, 4, and 5 min. during the daj^ start 
on Bridge st., at High, Georgetown, cross Rock Creek over 
a fine iron bridge, follow Pennsylvania av., passing Mills' 
Statue of Washington, Corcoran Art Gallery, Lafayette 
Square, AVar Department, President's House, and Treasury. 
At the intersection of 15th st. W. they connect Avith tlie cars 
on the 14^7i Street and Columbia Railways. Exchange tick- 
ets given for the former. At the S. end of tlie Treasury 
they again enter Pennsjdvania av., which they follow the 
entire length of the business quarter of the city, passing the 
Centre Market and Botanical Garden. At 9tli st. W.'they 



X GENERAL INFOLIMATION. 

intercept the IMetropolitan line IS", and S. ; and at 7tli st. W. 
connect with the cars of the 7th st. branch N. and S. On 
the latter exchange tickets are given. At the W. gate of tlie 
Capitol grounds one branch turns to the 1. for the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad Depot every 10 min. during the day, and 
the other to the r. for the Ca^ntol or Navy Yard., every 5 min. 
during the day. At the top of the hill a branch carries pas- 
sengers to the JE. front of the House, or S. extension of the 
Capitol. The main line continues along B st. S. to Pennsyl- 
vania av., and thence to 8th st. E., thence passing the Marine 
Barracks to the Navy Yard. 

Fourteenth-Street Branch, cars every 10 min. dur- 
ing the day, start on New York av. at 15th st. W., NE. of 
the Treasury Department, thence to 14th st., thence N. to 
boundary, passing the Fourteenth-Street Circle and State 
Department. Exchange tickets are given on the Pennsyl- 
vania av. line. 

Seventh-Street Branch, cars every 4 and 5 min. dur- 
ing the day, start at the boundary, follow the same street 
across the city to the Potomac river, passing the IST. Mai'ket, 
Mount Vernon Place, Patent and Post Offices, and Odd- 
Fellows' Hall. At Massachusetts av. they intersect the Co- 
lumbia Eaihvay, and at F st. N. the Metropolitan line. On 
Pennsylvania av. they connect with the main line. Ex- 
change tickets given E. or W. The cars now pass the Cen- 
tre Market, cross the Mall, with the Smithsonion 'grounds on 
r., continuing to the wharves for the Alexandria, Mount 
Vernon, and other steamers. 

Metropolitan Railway, incorporated 1864, cars every 
4 min. during the day, start on 17th st., W. of the Navy 
and New State Departments, follow 17th st. W., passing the 
State, War, and Navy Departments, and Corcoran Art "Gal- 
lery to H st. ; here the Georgetown branch leaves ; thence 
passing Lafayette Square to i4th st. ; thence to F st., inter- 
secting the i4th St. and Columbia liailways at New York 
av. ; connecting with the cars on the 9th st. branch N. and 
S., on wiiich exchange tickets are given, passing the Patent 
and Post Offices, and intersecting the 7tli st. line ; thence to 
5th St. ; thence to Louisiana av., passing Judiciary Square ; 
thence to Indiana av., passing the City Hall; thence to C 
St., passing the Balthiiore and Olno depot to Delaware av. ; 
thence to^B st. N., where the E. Capitol branch leaves; 
thence to the Senate extension. 

Georgetown and East Capitol Street Branch, cars 
every 6 min. during the day. Same as the main line going 
W. Cars leave thtit at H and 17th sts. N\V. ; thence to Con- 
necticut av. ; thence to P st. at the Ch'cle, intersecting tlie 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XI 

Connedicitt av. and Park Eailioay ; thence along P st., cross- 
ing- Eock Creek over a fine bridge, entering "West st., George- 
town ; tlience to High ; tlience to Fayette, wliere it passes the 
Convent of tlie Visitation ; tlience to 2d; thence to Higli; 
thence to Dunbarton ; tlience to Montgomerj^ ; thence to 
West, wliere the return track follows the outward, back to 
Washington. The East Capitol extension continues on B st. 
N. to 1st E. ; thence to East Capitol st., and thence to Lin- 
cohi Square, the present terminus. It will be extended E. 
on the same street to the Anacostia. 

Ninth Street Branch, cars every 7 and 8 min. during 
the day, start at M st. N. ; thence, passing ]Mount Vernon 
Place, the Patent OfHce and Masonic and Lincoln Halls, toB 
St. At N'ew York av. they intersect the Columbia Kailway. 
At F St. exchange tickets are given E. and W. On B st. the 
cars pass the Centre Market, and intersect the 7th st. line. 
On Gth St. they pass the Baltimore and Potomac Depot to Mis- 
souri av. ; thence to 4^- st. ; thence to the Arsenal gate. 

Silver Springs Branch, when completed, will connect* 
with the 9th st. branch at M st. N. At present it starts at 
the iST. terminus of the 7th st. line, and follows the 7th st. 
road a distance of IJ m , passing the Scheutzen Park and 
Howard Universit}', and terminates at present at the road to 
the Soldiers' Home and Kock Creek Church. 

Columbia Kailway, incorporated 1870, cars every 10 
min. during the day, start on New York av. at 15th st. W., 
NE. of the Treasury ; thence to H st. At 14th st. they cross 
the Metropolitan and 14th st. lines ; at 9th st. W. the Metro- 
politan, passing Mount Vernon Place^ to Massachusetts av. 
At 7th St. they cross that line ; thence to H st. N. ; thence to 
the boundary, passing the Government Printing OlHce. At 
the terminus the Baltimore turnpike and Benning's Bridge 
road commence. 

Connecticut Avenue and Park Kailway, incorpo- 
rated 1868. The Connecticut av. portion is used by the Me- 
tropolitan line to Georgetown. A car connects at the P st. 
Circle, and runs to boundary. 

Fares. — The rate of fare on the Washington and George- 
town line is 5 cents, to include a transfer or exchange ticket 
on the 14th and 7th st. branches N. and S. The fare on the 
Metropolitan line is 7 cents for single tickets, or ten for 50 
cents, or on the 9th-st. branch five for 25 cents. Transfers 
N. and S. are given on the 9th-st. branch. The fare on the 
Columbia line is 5 cts. 

Further extensions of existing lines, and the construction 
of new ones, are proposed, in some instances the roadway 
having already been laid. 



Xll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

Vehicles for hire.— Kates of fare established by law for 
hacks, cabs, or other vehicle for hire in the District of Co- 
lumbia. 

Bet. 5 a. m. and Bet. 12.30 a. m. 
12.30 a. m. and 5 a. m. 

For one or two passengers in a one- f Per h'r, 75 cts. Per hour, $1 12. 

horse vehicle. 1 Pertrip,75 cts. Per trip, $1 12. 

For one or two passengers, four- j Per hour, $1 50. Per hour, $2 25. 

seated vehicle drawn by two -(Per trip, ex- Pertrip, exceed- 

horses, within the city. ( ceed'glm.,$l. 1 m., $1 50. 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 
One mile or less, one half these rates. 

For one or two passengers, four- p , ^i nn Pprhnnr «9 C"^ 

S^e's '^^iS^af^Zol'tX Per^?fp"^exte'S--L^JtX"elce^i 
ftoi^Georrtown. ^ ^ "^•' ^^ 00. ing 1 m., $3 00. 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 

One mile or less, one half these rates. 

One-liorse vehicle does not include buggies and phaetons. 

In all cases where a vehicle is not engaged by the hour, it 
will be considered as being engaged bj^ the trip. 

Special rates are charged for excursions. 

If there should be an overcharge, drive to the nearest police 
station, where officers in charge will immediately decide the 
case. 

In every case require a ticket of the driver before starting. 

City Post Office. — General Post Office Building, entrance 
on F St. General Deliveby, 6 a. m. to 11 p. m. Box 
Delivery, 7 a. m. to 8 p. m. Sunday, 8 to 10 a. m. and 6 
to 7 P. M. Letter Carriers' Window on r., open 7 to 
8 P. M. Stamp Office on r. Ladies' Window on the 1. 

The Mails.— Eastern— for N'ew York, Philadelphia, Bos- 
ton, &c., due 6.30 A. M., 6 p. M. ; dose 7 A. M. 8 P. M. 

Western— cZwe 6.05, 11.30 A. m., 2, 7 p. m. ; close 6 a. m., 
6.45 p. M. 

SoVTH— due 7.20 A. M., 5, 7.25 p. M. ; close 6 A. M., 5.30, 
9.20 p.m. 

Baltimore, ^iD.—due 6.05 a. m., 2, 6, 9 p. m. ; close 7, 10 
A.M., 12 M., 8 p.m. 

Georgetown— (^we 11.45 a. m., 4.45, 8, 10 p. m. ; close 8 
A.M., 2, 7 P.M. 

Alexandria— (i?*e 7.45 a. m., 7.20 p. m. ; close 6 A. m., 
5.30 p. M. 

Foreign Mails are forwarded daily to 'New York and 
San Francisco. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. Xlll 

Bates of Postage. — Domestic. — Letters to any part of the 
United States, 3 cents for eacli ^ ounce or fraction tliereof . 
Letters within any city, 2 cents wliere free delivery ; other 
oflSces, 1 cent. Ref^istered Letters, 8 cents registration fee, 
in addition to tlie regular postage. At least one fall rate 
must be paid on letters to secure tlieir transmission. Printed 
books, package limited to 4 lbs., except books printed by or- 
der of Congress, 2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction tliereof . 
Newspapers and magazines 1 cent 2 ounces. All transient 
matter must be prepaid in full by stamps. 

Foreign. — The frequent changes in routes and rates rend- 
ers it advisable to omit a table of foreign postages. All ne- 
cessary information should be obtained at the Post Office. 

Money-Orders and Registered Letters.— Tlie Mo- 
ney-Order and Registered-Letter Departments are open from 
8 A. M. to 4 p. M. Xo business is transacted in either of these 
. departments on Sunday. 

E ntrance to Money-Order and Registry Departments, from 
F St., door E. of delivery. 

Telegraph Offices.— Automatic. — Principal office, 1409 
Penn. av. 
1 Frankxin. — ^Principal office, 609 Penn. av. 
I Western Union. — Principal office, Penn. av. and 14th 
I st.W. 

i Branch Offices will be found in all the principal hotels, 
I or near by, and in the Capitol. 

I Ohurclies. — The following list of places of religious worship 

is merely designed for the use of visitors in the citj^, and 

I therefore embraces only tlie representative churches of each 

I denomination. For convenience of reference, it is arranged 

alphabetically. The usual hour for service is 10.30 to 11 A. 

M. and 7 to 8 p. M., according to the season of the year. 

Baptist.— First, 13th st. W., bet. G and H. E-street, E 
St., bet. 6th and 7th W. Calvary, II and 8th sts. NW. Shi- 
loh, (Old School,) Mass. av., bet. 9th and 10th sts. W. 

Catholic, Roman. — St. Aloysius, I and ]N". Capitol st. 
NW. St. Dominic's, 6th and F. sts. SW. St. Matthew's, H 
and 15th st. NW. St. Patrick's, 10th and F sts., (rebuilding.) 
St. Stephen's, Penn. av. and 25th st. NW. 

Christian.— First, Vermont av., above IST st. KW. 

Congregational.— Fh'st, 10th and G sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Protestant. — Ascension, Hst., bet. 9th and 
10th NW. Epiphan)^ G St., bet. 13th and 14th NW. Rock 
Creek, near Soldiers' Home. St. John's, 16th and H sts. 



XIV GENERAL INFORMATION. 

NW. St. Paul's, (Kitnalistic.) 23d st., S. of Circle, NW. 
Trinity, 3d and C sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Methodist.— Fonndry, G and 14th sts. NW. 
Hamline, cor. 9tli and P sts. NW. McKendree, Mass. av., 
near 9tli st. NW. Metropolitan, 4i and C sts. NW. Wesley 
Chapel, 5th and F sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Methodist South. — Mount Vernon, 9th 
and K sts. NW. 

Friends.— Orthodox, 13th, bet. R and S sts. NW. Hick- 
site, I St., bet. 18th and 19tli NW. Meetino^s, 11 o'clock A. M. 

German Reformed.— First, 6th and "K sts. NW. Ger- 
man service, A.M. ; Enii;lisli, P. M. 

Hebrew. — Wasliington Hebrew Congre^i^ation, 8th st., 
bet. H and I NW. Services every Friday 7 p. m., and Sab- 
bath (Saturday) 9 A. M. 

Lutheran — Trinity, (Unaltered Augsburg Confession,) 
E and 4th sts. NW. St. Paul's, H and' 11th sts NW. Me- 
morial, N and 14th sts. N. 

Methodist Protestant. — 9th st., bet. E and F NW. 

Presbyterian. — First, 4,V st. NW., near tlie City Hall. 
Fourth, 9th, bet. G and H sts. NW. JS'ew-York Avenue, 
New- York av., bot. 13th and 14tli ^W. 

Unitarian.— D and 6tli sts. N'W. 

Universalist.— Masonic Hall, F and 9th sts. NW. 

Colored Churches. — Baptist, First, I and 19th sts. NW". 
Catliolic, Roman, St. Martin's, 15th st., near L NW. Epis- 
copal, St. Mary's, 23d st., bet. G and H NW. Methodist, 
Asbury, K and 11th sts. NW. Presbyterian, 15th, bet. I and 
K sts. NW. 

Theatres. — The best places of amusement in the city are 
Ford^s Opera House, on 9th st. AV., immediately S. of Penn- 
sylvania av., and the National Theatre, on E st.^N., bet. 13th 
and 14th sts. NW. Here the standard comedies and trage- 
dies and plays of the day are performed by excellent stock 
companies during the winter season, varied at intervals by 
Italian, German, or English opera, and the presence of the- 
atrical "stars." 

General Amusements. — Concerts and lectures take place 
almost every night, and will aftbrd recreation for those who 
prefer this character of entertainment. 

Etiquette, Ceremonies, and Formalities. — The population 
of Washington is divided into two classes : official and luiq^ 
ciaL and society admits of the same classification. The first 
includes those actively associated with the various branches 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XV 

and departments of the Government and retired officers of 
the Army and JSTaiy and families. The second includes resi- 
dents in the capital not in ofiicial employment, and visitors. 

The Season. — The fashionable season commences with 
the New Year's receptions, and ends with the beginning of 
Lent. During this period life at the capital is extremely gay. 
The congressional season begins on the lirst Monday in De- 
cember of each year, and, with a recess diu'ing the Christmas 
holidays, lasts till March 4 in the odd years and until June or 
Jul 3^ in the even years. During the months of July, August, 
and September, the prominent officials and residents leave the 
capital for places of summer resort. 

Receptions. — The reception season begins on New Year's 
day and lasts till the beginning of Lent. ' The days for after- 
noon receptions are arranged among the ladies of the families 
of the President, Cabinet Ministers, and Governor of the Dis- 
trict. The announcements are made daily during the season 
in the newspapers. Hours, afternoon, 2 to 5 p. m. ; evening, 
8 to 11 p. m. Afternoon receptions are open to all. Evening 
receptions are by card, unless otherwise announced in the daily 
newspapers. 

Titles — The following are the forms of address used in 
conversation with certain officials, viz : Mr. Pi-esident ; to 
members of the Cabinet, Mr. Secretary, ISIr. Postmaster Gen- 
eral, Mr. Attorney General ; Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. Vice Pj-esi- 
dent, Mr. Senator, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice, for associates of 

the Supreme Court, and Mr. , for Representatives. The 

latter frequently have titles, as Judge, (fcc. Official commu- 
nications should be addressed, "To the President, "To the 
Chief Justice," and all others "To the Honorable, the Sec- 
retary of State," &c., or "The Honorable D. W., Secretary of 
State;" and to members of Congress, Honorable, with the 
name. The form customary for ladies of officials, is Mrs. 

President ; Mrs. General ; Mrs. Secretary, &c. The , 

following form of address for certain officers Avould be better 
than those now in vogue : For the Secretary of State, The 
Premier; other membe'i's of the Cabinet, Mr. Minister. 

Cards. — Whenever a visit is made or reception attended, 
a card, containing the name and residence in the city, should 
be sent in, or left with the usher, or in the receiver in the 
hall. Cards left at afternoon receptions are generally recog- 
nized by cards to evening receptions. Cards are generally 
issued to all evening receptions, except those of the President 
and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and sometimes 
the General of the Army. In private calls, if the person 
called upon be out, turn down the right upper corner of the 
card, to indicate that called in person ; if the call be upon 



XVI GENERAL INFORMATION. 

the family, under the same circumstances, turn down the 
right end. In making- a farewell call, place P. P. C. on the 
lower edge of the card. 

A stranger, in calling upon officials, or at receptions, should, 
if his name be not annoanced by an usher or by card, men- 
tion it himself, so as to prevent embarrassment. 

Invitations. — In all cases, invitations to dinner should 
be promptly accepted or declined. It is not obligatory to 
respond to invitations to evening entertainments, unless re- 
quired in tlie letters B. S. V. P., though it is proper to recog- 
nize tliem formally. Invitations to evening receptions do 

not require a reply. The general form of reply is : Mr. S 

presents his compliments to Secretary , and accepts with 

pleasure his invitation to dinner Thursday evening. Mon- 
day, Dec. — , 187 — . The form is the same, with adaptation, 
for evening entertainments. 

Calls. — The ladies of officials return calls. The President 
and wife are not required to return calls ; other members of 
the family can. The lower officials should always call first 
upon the higher; and ladies the same ; hours 2 to 5 p. m. 
Evening calls only allowed for social acquaintances. The 
first visit received should be returned in three days. Stran- 
gers, desiring to pay respects to any officials, can do so with 
propriety during office hours, sending in a card, marked "to 
pay respects," by the usher. 

Dress. — For visiting and at all afternoon receptions such 
dress for ladies and gentlemen as is recognized in good soci- 
ety for morning calls should be worn. At all evening recep- 
tions and dinner parties^ fall evening dress for ladies and 
gentlemen should be strictly observed ; consisting, for gen- 
tlemen, of black dress-coat and pantaloons, white neck-tie, 
and light gloves. 

The President. — Cabinet days^ Tuesdays and Fridays, 
hours of meeting 12 M. Business hours : During the session 
of Congress, the President receives Senators and Represen- 
tatives from 10 A. M. to 12 M. every day, except Sunday, and 
the public, by card through the usher in the ante-room, from 
12 M. till 3 P. M., except on Cabinet days and Sundays. The 
number admitted during hours is governed entirely by the 
time the President can spare from his public duties. Persons 
desiring to pay their respects only, should note '■'•to pay res- 
pects'''' on tlieir cards, and call tlie attention of the officer in 
in the ante-room thereto. During the adjournment of Con- 
gress, the President, when not absent from the Capital, usu- 
ally receives in the morning from 10 A. M. to 12 M. 

The President and family receive socially in the evening. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XVll 

These visits, liowever, are only made by those warranted by 
tlieir acquaintance to call upon them. 

Diplomatic representatives of foreign governments, upon 
their first arrival at tlie Capital, are presented in the Blue- 
Room, at a time fixed by the Secretary of State, with the 
consent of the President. The ceremony of presentation 
ponsists of an address by the Minister, and a reply by the 
President. 

The President's levees are announced through the press. 
1^0 further invitation is necessary, and all strangers at the 
Capital are at liberty to call. The liours are usually from 8 
to 10 P.M. Music by the JViarine Band. ISTo dress is pre- 
scribed, though it is eminently p^roper to appear in the even- 
ing dress dictated by good society. Enter by the i^. door, 
wiiere the usliers will direct to the cloak rooms. Then enter 
the Red, and pass into the Blue-Room, where the President 
receives. Announce name to the Marshal of the District, 
who presents to the President. The Engineer in charge of 
Public Buildings and Grounds presents to the wife of the 
President. After paying respects, in order to make room 
for others, it is advisable to pass out at once into the Green 
and tlience into the East-Room. 

The afternoon receptions at the President's House are al- 
ways held by the Avife of the President, on such days as she 
may select. She is assisted by such ladies as she may invite, 
generally selected in alphabetical order from the wives of 
Senators and ^Members, who, by their official positions, are 
entitled to such consideration, and any friend. Hours, 2 to 
5 p. m. No invitations. Visitors in the city are at liberty 
to attend. Tlie President, after office hours, often assists. 
Presentations are made in the Blue Room by the Engineer 
in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. Approach as 
in levees, except that it is customary to leave a card at the 
door. Enter the Red Room. Dress the same as recognized 
by good society* as suitable for morning calls. These recep- 
tions afford an excellent opportunity to strangers at the Cap- 
ital to view the suits of parlors, state dining room, and con- 
servatories. The latter are open to the public only on these 
occasions. After leaving the Blue Room, pass into the Green 
and East Rooms. The corridor which leads from the East 
Room extends to the conservatories on the W. end. The 
President, during the winter, gives state dinners, to which 
thirty-six invitations at a time are issued, and comprise Sen- 
ators and Representatives, selected alphabetically. Their 
wives are also included. The President also invites promi- 
nent officers of the Government in recognized order. 

On New Yearns day the President receives in the following 



XVlll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

order : Members of the Cabinet and Foreign Ministers ; 
judges of the Supreme Court of the United States; Senators 
and Representatives in Congress ; the Governor of the Dis- 
trict of Cohirabia and suite; judges of the courts of the Dis- 
trict of Cohmibia and of the United States Court of Claims ; 
officers of the army and navy ; Assistant Secretaries of depart-* 
ments ; Sohcitor General ; associations and the public. 

Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Couit.— La- 
dies receive on Monday. Eeturn visits. First call must be 
made upon them. 

Speaker's receptions are announced in the newspapers. 

General of the Army.— Eeception of lady, Mondays. 
Expect tlie first call. The General's receptions are by card, 
miless otherwise announced in the newspapers. 

Admiral of the Kavy. — Same as for General of the 
Army, except evening receptions always by card. 

The Cabinet. — The ladies of Cabinet Ministers usually 
receive on Wednesdays, at which time visitors in the city are 
at liberty to call, leave cards with and give names to the usher 
at the door. Evening receptions by card are given by Cabi- 
net Ministers. The ladies of the Cabinet return visits. The 
fli-st call must be made upon them. 

Senators and Eepresentatives. — Ladies receive on 
Thursdays. Calls must be first made upon them. 

Governor of the District. — Afternoon receptions of 
ladies announced in tlie newspapers. Open to all. Evening 
by card. I'irst call must be made. 

Diplomatic Corps. — Invitations are issued to all enter- 
tainments. Receive calls first. There are also diplomatic 
evenings for members of the corps and families, and such 
others as the lady personally invites. 

Residents.— The ladies of the families of residents at the 
capital not in official life, call first. Their days at home are 
generally marl^ed on their cards. 

Social precedence.— 1 , The President"; 2, the Chief 
Justice ; 3, the Vice Pi-esident ; 4, the Speaker ; 5, the Gen- 
eral of the Army; 6, the Admiral of the JSTavy; 7, the Cabi- 
net, Secretary of State, Treasury, War, Navy, Postmaster 
General, Seci-etary of the Interior, and Attorney General ; 8, 
Senators ; 9, Associate Justices ; 10, Representatives in Con- 
gress; and, 11, Governor of the District. 

Remarks. — General Jackson first introduced bad manners 
mto the society of the President's House. The President, by 
virtue of his office, of a right occupies the highest social posi- 
tion in the land, and the observance of the formalities which 
are recognized in the surroundings of any American gentle- 
man's home should be accorded to the home of the President. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 



XIX 



Distances from Washingtox. 



I 



Capitals of States or Territories are in capital letters. 



MILES. 

AtBVNY, N. Y 374 

Albuquerque, N.iM..215G 

Alexandria. Va 7 

Annapolis, Md 42 

Atlanta, Ga 721 

Augusta. Me 631 

Austin, Texas 1781 

Baltimore, Md 40 

Boise City, Idaho...20(;7 

Boston, Mass 458 

Brownsville, Tex ..I94G 

Butfalo, N.Y 446 

Cairo, Illinois 977 

Carson City, Nov.. .2950 
Charleston, S. C .... 587 
Cheyenne. Wy. T.-.1S50 

Chicago, III 842 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... (>11 

Columbia, S. C 519 

Columbus, Ohio 535 

Concord. N. H 503 

Deer Lodge, Mon.T.2700 

LtENVER, Col. T. 1950 

Desmoines, Iowa 1102 

Detroit. Mich 692 

Dover, Del 159 

Duluth,Minn 1437 

Erie, Pa 466 

Fort Abererombie.1507 
Fort Benton, M.T..3130 
FortBerthold, D.T.2186 
Fort Bliss, Tex . 2523 
Fort Boise, Idaho..2669 



MILES. 

Fort Bridger,Wy.T.2349 
Fort Dodge, Kan. ..1586 

Fort Fetterman 1984 

Foi t Gil)son,Ch.Na.l387 

Fort Hays, Kan 1525 

Fort Klamath, Ore.3320 
Fort Laramie, W.T.lfiOU 
Fort Leavenworth. .1263 
Fort Randall, D. T.1535 
Fort Smith, Ark. ...1307 
Fort Wavne, Ind... 694 

Fort Yuma, Cal 3881 

Frankfort, Ky 731 

Galveston, Texas. ..1556 

H\RnisBURG. Pa 125 

Hartford, Conn 342 

Indianxpol'S, Ind... 715 

Jackson, Miss 10S2 

Jefferson City. Mo.1077 
Kansas City, Mo... .1234 

Lansing, 3Iich 742 

Leavenworth, Kan. 1260 
Little Kock, Ark...liri 

Louisville, Ky 720 

Madison.WIs 974 

Memphis, Tenn 9:i4 

MiLLEDGEVILLE. (ia.. 698 

Milwaukee, Wis 927 

Mobile, Ala 1082 

Montgomery, Ala... 896 

MONTPELIER. Vt 556 

Nashville, Tenn.... 775 
New Haven, Conn.. 307 



MILES. 

New Orleans, La.. ..12.50 

New York, N. Y 229 

Norfolk, Va 233 

Olympia, Wash. T...3982 

Omaha, Neb 1298 

I'ensacola, Fla 1050 

Philadelphia, Pa.... 139 

PiUsl)urg, Pa 374 

Por laml. Ore 3952 

Providence, R. 1 419 

IlALElGU, N. C 313 

IllCHMOND, Va 130 

SvcRAMENTO, Cal 3072 

Saint l^ouis, Mo 952 

Saint Paul, Minn. .1285 

SxLEM, Ore. 3834 

Salt Lake City U T.2-164 
San Francisco. Cal. 3 155 
San Juan Is., W. T.4047 
Santa Fe, N. Mex...2093 

Savannah. Ga 091 

Tahlequvh, liid. T..13(Ri 
SfTKA, Alaska 4535 

SPRlNGriELD, III 92S 

Tai.lahass ::e, Fla 953 

ToPEKA. Kan 1302 

Tbenton, N.J 170 

Tucs .N, Ar. T 2628 

Van.-onver, \V. T...3970 
Virgini.i City, !\LT.2087 
WuELLi.vG, \V. Va.... 401 
Wilmingion, Del... Ill 
Yankton, D. T 1449 



Foreign Distances, air-Line, from Washington, to 





MILES. 




MILES. 




MIT.ES. 


Belize 


...1410 


Honolulu 


....4650 


Rome.. 


iOoO 


Berlin 


...3840 


Jerusalem 


...MOO 


■San Domingo .. 


130i> 


Buenos Ayres.... 


...4870 


Lima 


....3180 


San Juan .. 


.... 1380 


Calcutta 


...8580 


Lisbon 


... 3180 


San Salvador . 


16.50 


Callao 


.. .3168 


London, 


....3300 


Santiago, Chili 


470>) 


Caracas 


...1830 


Mexico 


....1080 


Spanishtown, J 


un..l2)0 


Cape Good Hope 


...7380 


Nicaragua 


....1740 


St. I'etersl.urg. 


4290 


Cape Horn 


...0450 


Panama 


....1840 


Sydney, A us .. 


9150 




...3670 


Paris 




Tehaun tepee. 
Vera Cruz 




Constantinople.. 


...4870 


Pekin 


....7680 


1.560 


Georgetown, Br. G 2230 


Rio de Janeiro. 


....4300 


Vienna 


4110 


Havana 


...1250 









XX 



general information. 
Differences of Time. 



Table showing the mean time at 39 places in the United States 
and Foreign Countries, u hen it is mean noon at Washington^ 
D C, United States of America. 

* Signifies forenoon and f afternoon. Time computed from the ob- 
servatories of all places marked (oj 



h. 

Alban}', X.Y (o) f <> 

Alexandria, Egypt. f 7 

Astoria, Oregon * 8 

Augusta, Maine f '^ 

B.iltiniorc-, Md f 

Berlin, Pi'ussia (o) f (5 

Boston, Mass f 

Cambridge, Mass... (o) f 

Canton, China * 

Charleston, S. C * 11 

Chicago, III * 11 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... * 11 
Detroit, Michigan.. * 11 
Greenwich, Eng.... (a) f 5 

Honolulu, 8. I * 

Jeddo, Japan * 2 

Leavenworth, Kan. * 10 

Lima, Peru * 11 

Liverpool, Eng (o) f 4 

London, Eng (o) f 5 



m. 


s. 


13 


13 


7 


44 


5-2 


57 


2S 


52 


1 


45 


1 


4G 


1'3 


58 


23 


42 


41 


18 


48 


30 


17 


41 


30 


13 


36 


2 


8 


11 


3G 


44 


28 


12 


49 


16 


59 


41 


56 


11 


2 


12 



h. 

Louisville, Ky f 11 

Melbourne, Aus'lia * 2 

Memphis, Tenn * II 

iMexico,Mex * 10 

Milwaukee, Wi.s * 11 

Mobile, Alabama... * 11 

Montreal, C.E f 

Moscow, Russia (o) f 7 

New Orleans, La.... * 11 

New York, N.Y f 

Panama, C. A * 11 

Paris,.France (o) f 5 

Philadelphia, Pa.... (o) f 

Rome, Italy (o) f 5 

Salt Lake, Utah * 9 

San Francisco, Cal. * 8 

St. Louis, Mo * 11 

Vienna, Austria (o) f 6 

Washington, D.C... (o) 



26 


12 


48 


5 


7 


40 


31 


50 


16 


35 


16 


6 


14 





38 


28 


8 


12 


12 


12 


50 


15 


17 


33 


7 


34 


58 


6 


39 


48 


58 


25 


7 


11 


13 


44 









SECTION I. 

WASHINGTON AND THE DISTRICT UF COLUMBIA. 



WASHINGTON. 




*5^4*<^^HE Seat of Government of the United States 
^v^cSr^'^^ of America has been appropriate!}' called ''the 
Virgin Capital." A territory under the exclusive 
j urisdiction of Congress iiad early received the atten- 
tion of the legislators of the new Republic; indeed, 
^^ P before the clamor of war had fairly ceased, or the 
royal standard of England had left its shores. The posses- 
sion of such a ten-itory was an important feature in the de- 
bates upon the framing of the Constitution; and it was pre- 
cisely fortj'-eight days after the last act of ratification, that 
the Federal Cit^^ of the Ameiican Republic was by solemn en- 
actment of the young Congress of the Thirteen Free and Inde- 
pendent States located on the beautiful eastern sliore of the 
broad Potomac. It might be added, that not only is Washing- 
ton the only virgin capital in the world, but its foundation ^A'as 
simultaneous with the inauguration of tiie permanent form of 
government of the nation. Of being syncln-onous it lacked less 
than two years. The idea and the execution were essentially 
American. It was founded as the Capital of the Republic. It 
sprang out of the virgin soil, and its growth and magnificence 
were to be measured 1jy the progress and taste of tlie people 
who constituted the Government of which it was to be the 
political head and centre and the permanent residence. 

Among the capitals of the great nations of modern times, 
in this particular Washington stands alone. St. Petersburg, 
now the seat of the imi^ei'ial residence of the Autocrat of all 
the Russias, rose out of the morasses^of the Neva at the will 
of the great Peter. It was long what its founder called it, n 
look-out upon Europe, before the ancient capital of the Czars, 
in the fertile Moskva, left the sheltering walls of the Krem- 
lin for the banks of the Neva. Versailles, the queen of royal 
residences, sprang from a favorite hunting lodge of Louis 
XIII. A monarch like his successor was alone capable of an 



Z GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. 

exhibition of extravagance sncli as this. The genius of Le 
Brun and Le Notre, and the expenditure of two hundred 
millions of dollars, did not make Versailles a capital. Its 
name and its associations are synonymous with the reckless- 
ness of a hixurious and dissolute coin-t. Rome, the city of 
over twenty-six centuries, was government and capital , when 
Romulus, with his handful of Latins on the western slope of 
the Palatine ; Tatius, with his Sabines on the Capitoline and 
the Quirinal ; and the Etruscans on the Cselian and Esquiline, 
gathered around the fornm, and laid the foundation of that 
career of greatness and power, which justly earned the proud 
title of Mistress of the World. But republican Rome rose 
on the ruins of the earlier kingdom of the Tarquins. Impe- 
rial Rome superseded the colossal fabric of the Republic of 
the Consuls, the Tribunes, and the Triumvirs. Pontifical 
Rome reared herself upon the crumbled throne of the Impe- 
rial Ca3sars. The Rome of to-day, the capital of United 
Italy, therefore, may well be said to be the mother, while 
Washington is the maiden, of capitals. 

Geographical Location.— Washington the Federal, or Capi- 
tal C'ity of the United States of America, is situated on the 
left or eastern bank of the Potomac River, between the 
Anacostia, or Eastern Branch of the Potomac, and Rock 
Creek, 10(J^ m. (statute) above the mouth of the Potomac 
River, by sliip channel, from abreast the red buoy oil" Point 
Lookout to Arsenal or Geenleaf 's Point, and 185^ m. from 
the buoy \\ m. NE. of Cape Henry light, mouth of Chesa- 
l)eake Bay. The distance by air line to the month of the 
Potomac River is 69 m., and to the mouth of the Chesapeake 
Bay 143 m. The distance from the Capitol by air line to 
the sea-coast, just below Cape Ilenlopen, the nearest point, 
is 105 m. ; and to the Chesapeake Bay, available for vessels 
of war, Patuxent River, 53 m. ; Annapolis 38^ m., and 
Herring Bay 39 m. 

The city, the site of which was selected by President Wash- 
ington, was founded under the same provisions of constitu- 
tional authority and State and National legislation which led 
to tlie establishment of the Federal Territory, or District of 
Columbia. The only direct reference to the location of the 
public buildings witlnn the limits of the Territory already 
accepted was contained in a proviso in the amendatory act 
of Congress approved March 3, 1791, requiring their erect- 
ion on the Maryland side of the Potomac. 

The longitude of the Capitol, ascertained by Lambert, is 
76° 55^ 30'> 54 W. of Greenwich, and 79° 15' 41'' 69 W. of 
Paris. Latitude 38° 52' 20 N. 



AREA. 3 

When the city was located, the northern limit of the 
United States was lat. 46° N. and the southern 31° N^., placing 
Washington hut 23 min. or geographical miles south of the 
centre from IST. to S. Subsequent acquisitions of territory, 
however, on the line of the Atlantic sea-board, from the 
mouth of the St. Croix to the S. extremity of the peninsula 
of Florida, places the centre at lat. 35° N"., the vicinity of 
Xewberne, N"orth Carolina, or 233 miles S. Another im- 
portant consideration in those days was the fact, that on no 
part of the coast within the bounds of the country was 
there accessible to sea-going vessels a port situated so far 
Inland. 

Distances. — The distances in miles to the chief points 
in the different sections of the vast domain now under the 
jurisdiction of the National Government are as follows: 

From Washington.— North and East : Baltimore, Md., 
40 ; Pliiladelphia, Penn., 139 ; New York, N. Y., 229 ; Bos- 
ton, Mass., 458; Portland, Me., 567; mouth of the St. Croix 
Kiver, the N. E. boundary on New Brunsmck, 750; Rouse's 
Point on Lake Champlain, N. boundary on Lower Canada, 
598. Northwest: Oswego, N. Y., on Lake Ontario, 475; 
Buffalo, N. Y., on Lake Erie, 446 ; Chicago, 111., on Lake 
Micliigan, 842 ; Fort Brady, Mich., on Sault Ste. Marie, 
boundary on Upper Canada, 1,031; Duluth, Minn., W. end 
Lake Superior, 1,437 : Pembina, Dakota, forty-ninth paral- 
lel, boundary between the United States and JBritish posses- 
sions, 1,677; Olympia, Washington Territory, 3,982; Cape 
Flattery, extreme N. W. point on Pacific Ocean, 4,102; 
Sitka, Alaska, 4,535. West : St. Louis, Mo., on the IVIississippi 
River, 952 ; Omaha, Neb., on the Missouri River, 1,298 ; Salt 
Lake City, Utah, Rocky Mountains, 2,464 ; San Francisco, 
Cal., on the Pacific Ocean, W. boundary, 3.155. South and 
Southwest: Richmond, Va., 130; Charleston, S. C, 587; 
Key West., Fla., extreme S. point Gulf of Mexico, 1,494; 
New Orleans, La., 100 miles from the mouth of the Missis- 
sippi River, 1,250; Brownsville, Tex., S. W^^Rio Grande or 
Mexican frontier, 1,946 ; San Diego, Cal.^^. W. limit, on 
Lower California and Pacific Coast, 3,672.' [For Table of 
Distances to all parts of the U. S. and the world, see Gen- 
eral Information.} 

. Area. — The plot of the city lies on the W. side of the 
tract, 64 sq. m., within the present borders of the District of 
Columbia, and is 14 m. in circumference. It covers 6,111 a., 
or a little over 9J sq. m. The avenues, streets, and spaces 
comprise 2,554 a. ; the Government reservations, as origi- 
nally laid out, 541 a., and squares 3,016 a. The greatest 



4 POPULATION. 

length is from W. to S. of E. ; or from Rock Creek, between 
I and K sts. W., to the bank of the Anacostia, at 24th st. E., 
on B St. S., 4.57 m. The earher plot is extended to 31st 
St. E. ; but the 7 additional streets and squares are subject 
to tidal inundation, and are generally excluded from the 
later maps. The greatest breadth of the city is W. of N"., 
from Greenleaf Point, at the foot of the Arsenal Grounds, to 
Boundary, at 11th st. W., 3.78 m. 

The mean width, however, is not more tlian 2| m. The 
mean length is over 4 m. The boundary of the city begins 
at the mouth of Rock Creek, near the western limits of I 
St. N., opposite Analostan Island, in the Potomac, and fol- 
lows the course of the creek to the point of intersection of 
the W. limit of P st. N. ; thence it follows an irregular E. 
course to a point midway between lltli and the prolonga- 
tion of 10th St. W. and north of W st. N. ; thence it runs 
S. till it Joins the W. line of the northern end of 9th st. W., 
about V St. IST. ; and following 9th st. W. to U st. N., it pur- 
sues the latter street a few feet ; thence in a due SW. line 
to the angle formed by the intersection of II st. N., 15th st. 
E., and the NE. limit of Maryland avenue, where the Bal- 
timore Turnpike and Benniiig's Bridge road diverge ; thence 
by the line of 15th st. E. to a few feet S. of the eastern ex- 
tremity of C St. N. ; thence by a du^ E. and W. line till it 
strikes the Anacostia; thence" by tlie right bank of the Ana- 
costia and tlie left bank of the Potomac to the place of be- 
ginning. The city lies 4 m. along the Potomac and about 3| 
m. along the Anacostia. 

Government. — The old municipal form was abolished by 
the act of Congress, 1871, and tlie jurisdiction of the city 
was vested in the Governor and Legislature of the Territory, 
incorporated for municipal purposes and empowered to exer- 
cise the powers of a municipal corporation, not inconsistent 
with the Constitution and laws of the United States. 

Finances. — (See District of Columbia.) 

Population, — The population of the citj^, by decades, since 
its foundation, was as follows: 1810, 8,208; 1820, 13,247; 
1830, 18,826 ; 1840, 23,364 ; 1850, 40,001 ; 1860, 61,122 ; 1870, 
109,199. The population, when occupied by Congress, in 1800, 
is not separately given ; but tliat it was very small may be 
judged from the fact that the total for Washington 'and 
Georgetown and the Coimty was l)ut 8,144. The population 
in 1870 was, white, 73,731 ; colored, 35,455 ; Indian, 13. 
Born in the District of Columbia, 42,694 ; and in otlier States, 
52,748; in foreign countries, 13,757, viz: Ireland, 6,948; 
Germany, 4,133; England, 1,235; Scotland, 299; British 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 5 

America, 239 ; Italy, 175 ; Switzerland, 146 ; all other foreign 
countries, 582. 

Miscellaneous Statistics.— Size, 12 in population ; families, 
21,343; persons to a family, 5.12; clwellings, ISTo., 19,545; 
persons to each, 5.59. Persons in each class of occupations, 
41,188 : agriculture, 284; personal and jjrofessional services, 
26,109 : male, 15,596 ; female, 10,513 ; trade and transport- 
ation. 5,296 ; manufactures, mechanical, and mining indus- 
tries,' 9,499. 

Poreign Capitals. — The Capital of the United States is situ- 
ated farther south than that of any of the greater States of 
Europe, as will be seen by the following : 

Washington.— Lat. 38° 52^ 20"' N". On Potomac River, 
106J m. from its mouth. Area 6,111 a., and 14 m. in cu*- 
cuit. Population, 1870, 109,199. 

London.— Lat. (St. Paul's) 51° 30' 48'' K. On Thames 
River, 50 m. from its mouth. Area of old city 1 sq. m. With 
city and liberty of Westminster and 5 boroughs 31,353 sq. m. 
Population, 1870, 3,215,000. 

Paris.— Lat. 48° 50' 12" N. On the Seine River, 110 m. 
from its mouth. Area 14 sq. m. Population, 1871, 1,950,000. 

Berlin. — Lat. 52° 30' 16"!^. On the Spree River. Area 
6,800 a., and 10 m. in circuit. Population 820,000. 

St. Petersburg. — Lat. 59° 56' IST. On the N^eva River, 
near its mouth. Area 6 m. in length and 5 m. in width. 
Population 667,000. 

Vienna.— Lat. 48° 12' N. On the Wein River, near the 
Danube. Circuit 15 m. Population, 1872, 640,000. 

Rome.— Lat. 41° 54' 06" N. On the Tiber River, 17 m. 
from its mouth. Circuit 12 m. Population, 1872, 247,497. 

History. — The permanent Seat of Government was estab- 
lished at Washington under provisions of the Constitution of 
the United States and an act of Congress approved Julj'' 16, 
1790. For a succinct history of its growth, from its founda- 
tion down to the present time. See History of Washington^ at 
the end of this Hand-book. 



DISTRICT OF COLUjNIBIA. 

Geographical Sitnation — The Federal Territory, or Dis- 
trict of Columbia, is situated on the left or E. bank of the 
Potomac River, at the confluence of the Anacostia. Its 
present limits lie enth-ely within the borders of the State of 



6 GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 

Maryland, and bounded on the NW., N., and partly on tlie 
NE. by Montgomery County, and partly on the NE. and 
on the E. and SE. by Prince George's County, in that State. 
Its entire western boundary is formed by the Potomac 
River. The lat. oi the centre of the District, as fii'st laid out, 
varies but a few feet from that of the Capitol, and the long, 
is one minute or geographical mile and a fraction W. 

Boundaries. — The Federal District, as originally located 
and proclaimed, Mar. 30, 1791, was a square of 10 m., and 
consequently comprised 100 sq. m. The lines of boundary 
began at Jones' Point, or the upper cape, which projects into 
the Potomac on the Virginia side or right bank, at the con- 
fluence of Hunting Creek and the Potomac, and but a short 
distance SE. of the present town of Alexandria, Va. At 
this initial point the corner-stone of the Territory was plant- 
ed, with appropriate ceremonies, and formed the starting- 
point pf a first line, which was run at an angle of 45° W. of 
N. or ISTW., a distance of 10 m., in the State of Virginia. The 
second line also started at the initial point, and ran at a right 
angle with the first, or I^E., across the Potomac, 10 m., into 
the State of Maryland. The remaining two lines were run 
from the termini of the first two and at right angles with 
them, respectively, NE. and NW., the one crossing the Po- 
tomac and the other the Anacostia, and meeting each other 
in a point. The original Territory, it will be seen, stood 
diagonally, each angle facing one of the cardinal points of 
the compass. The St. point of the District, as originally laid 
out, is I of a ra. due W. of Silver Spring, Md. ; the E. point 
2f m. S. of E. of Benning's Bridge, on the Anacostia ; the S. 
ar initial point at the I^sT. cape of Hunting Creek, called Jones' 
Point, 1 m. E. of S. of the centre of Alexandria, Va. ; and 
the W. point near the soiu-ce of Four-mile Run, in Va. The 
Potomac River now forms the W. boundary : all that portion 
formerly belonging to the State of Virginia having been ret- 
roceded. 

The four sides of the District, instead of facing N"., S., E., 
and W., lie NE., SE., SW., and NW. The centre of the 
original Territory, by a right line drawn from the I*^. to the 
S. point of the square, is marked by a gray freestone, about 
100 yds. W. of the Washington Monument, and on a line 
almost due S. from the President's House, at a distance of 
about 1 m. The stone was planted to mark the centre of 
the District. 

The lines, as run by Mr. EUicott, ''Geographer General," 
were marked by square mile-stones, with deeply-cut inscrip- 
tions, as follows : On the side facing the Territory, "Juris- 
diction OF THE United States . " On the opposite ' ' Vir- 



GOVERNMENT. 7 

GiNiA" or "Maryland," according to the State on whose 
I>ossessions the line faced. On the tliird side was tlie year, 
IfOS. And on tlie fonrtli the position of tlie magnetic 
needle at the time and place. Some of these stones are still 
standing ; and more, probably, might be brought to liglit if 
the accumulations of decayed vegetable growth were re- 
moved. It has been wisely suggested that the Government 
should define the lines of the Federal Territory of this now 
mighty Republic by tablets, columns, and other marks, wor- 
thy and commemorative of its greatness. 

Shortly after the District was laid out this was seriously 
considered. It was proposed to build a great Fort at Jones' 
Point, on the site of tlie initial corner-stone of the Federal 
Territorj*. This fort, at the same time, was to constitute one 
of the defenses of the river approach to the capital from the 
Sea, and was to be called Fort Columbia. It was actually 
commenced, but soon afterwards abandoned. 

In 1846 all that portion of the District, consisting of about 
36 sq. m., whicli lay on the W. bank of the Potomac, in Vir- 
ginia, was retroceded to that State, wliich reduced the area 
to 64 sq. m., its present extent. The length of the Potomac 
boundary is 12J m. Since the retrocession, particularly dur- 
ing tlie rebellion of 1861-'65, the short-sighted policy of that 
act was sadly apparent in the inconvenience experienced 
in having the banks of the Potomac opposite the National 
Capital under the jurisdiction of an inimical local govern- 
ment. The question of restoring the Territory to its first 
limits, by securing a new cession fi-om Virginia, is being agi- 
tated. In the absence of absolute jurisdiction on both sides 
of the river, it is manifest that there must be interminable 
conflicts of interest and authority: the more so as the Capi- 
tal increases in population, wealth, and magnificence. The 
schemes of improvement of the Potomac in front of Wash- 
ington and Georgetown also demand the possession of the 
Vii-ginia shore. 

Political Divisions.— The District is divided into the cities 
of Washington and Georgetown and the County of Wash- 
ington. 

Government. — The Congi-ess of the United States, in Nov., 
1800, assembled for the first time in the City of Washing- 
ton. The jurisdiction of the United States over the Dis- 
trict vested on the first Monday of Dec, 1800. It was not, 
however, till Feb. 27, 1801, that Congress assumed direct and 
exclusive jurisdiction— all affairs of the District being tu*st 
referred to a Committee for the District of Columbia for con- 
sideration and report. 



8 GOVERNMENT. 

Tho act of Congress approved February 21, 1871, created 
all that part of the Territory of tlie United States included 
within the limits of the District of Columbia into a govern- 
ment, by the name of the District of Columbia : the execu- 
tive power to be vested in a Governo7\ to be nominated by 
the President and confirmed by the Senate, and to hold office 
for four years ; and the legislative power in a Legislative As- 
sembly^ composed of a Council of 11 members, nominated bjr 
the President and confirmed by tlie Senate, to hold office 
two years; and a House of Delegates of 22 members, elected 
by tlie people annually. Two members of tlie Council must 
be residents of Georgetown and two of the County outside of 
the cities of Washington and Geor^^etown, leaving- seven for 
Washington. That portion of the District not included in the 
corporate limits of Washington and Georgetown is divided 
into three townships. The Territory is divided into 22 legis- 
lative districts, viz : of Washing-ton 18 ; Georgetown 2 ; and 
County of Washington 2. 

The annual elections are held on the 2d Tuesday in October, 
and the annual sessions of the Legislative Assembly on the 
4th Monday of April of each year. The sanitary care of the 
District is under the supervision of a Board of Health. All 
streets, avenues, allej^s, and rivers are under a Board of Pub- 
lic Works. The Board is required to report annually to the 
President of the United States, Congress, and the Legislative 
Assembly. The organic act also defines certain limitations 
and restrictions in the exercise of governmental functions, 
particularly with reference to finances, assessments, and taxes. 
All acts of the Legislative Assembly of the District are sub- 
ject to revision by'Congress, and that body retains the power 
of legislation over the District, the same as if the organic law 
had not been passed. The Legislative Assembly is required 
to maintain a sj^stem of free schools^ is empowered to create 
corporations for the District, and has power to ]irovide by law 
for the election or appointment of ministerial officers. 

The organic act of Feb. 21, 1871, repealed the charters of 
the cities of Washington and Georg'ctown and all legislation 
respecting the Levy Court and County of Washington incon- 
sistent with that act : the powei-s hithei-to exercised in those 
connections being vested in the Territorial Government. 

A Delegate to the House of Eepresentatives of the United 
States, to serve for 2 years, is also elected by the voters quali- 
fied to elect memb.'rs of the Legislative Assembly, and has 
the same rights and privileges as are exercised and enjoyed 
hy the Delegates from the 'several Territories of the United 
States to the Houso of Eepresentatives : he is also a member 
of the Committee for the District of Columbia. 



POPULATION. 9 

Tlie judicial courts of the District are subject to the legisla- 
tive action of Congress only. 

The salaries of all officers appointed by the President are 
paid by the U. S. ; all others by the District. The new District 
government went into operation June 1, 1871. 

Finances, estimated upon the tax le^y for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1874 : 

Assessed valuation of real estate in the District of Colum- 
bia, 890.433,072, viz : Washington, $80,539,782 ; Georgetown, 
$0,272,010; County of Washington, $9,021,280. Total actual 
valuation, $200,000,000. Revenue: Taxes, $1,888,252 00; 
other sources, $200,000 ; total, $2,088,252 00. Rate of tax on 
$100 : Washington, $2 00; Georgetown, $2 00; County, $1 58. 
Appropriations by the 3d Legislative Assembly, payable from 
above, to June 30, 1874: General District fnnd, $471,130; 
School fund, teachers and building, $318,300 20; Metropoli- 
tan Police, $137,445, or ^ total amount, f paid bv U. S. ; Gas 
fund. $129,975; Interest on bonds D. C, $304,000; on water 
stock, $31,500; on bonds of late corporation, $289,417 24; 
Sinking funds bonds D. C, $250,000. Total, $1,931,827 50. 
Excess' of revenues over appropriations, $150,424 56. Con- 
gress annually appropriates $25,000 towards the expenses of 
the Fire Department. 

The bonded debt existing N'ov. 1, 1873, was as follows : 
District of Columbia, $5,522,350; late Corporation of Wash- 
iniiton, $4,127,584 22 ; late Corporation of Georgetown, $252,- 
310 90 : total, $9,902,251 18. Congress limits the amount of 
debt that may be incurred by the District to $10,000,000. 

The financial operations of the Board of Public Works are 
not embraced in the above. 

It appears from the report of the Treasurer that from July 
1, 1871, to November, 1873, the total receipts have been $14, 
789,092.85. The expenditures for the same period have 
been $13,380,455.07, leaving a balance of $1,403,237.18. 

The contracts entered into by the Board number 951, and, 
deducting the amount estimated for water services, and 
chargeable directly to property, aggregate $13,501,102.49. 
Of this sum there remain to be expended, for the completion 
of the work under contract, $1,030,037.54. 

Population. — The population of the District, inclusive of 
the County of Alexandria up to 1840, and exclusive after, 
durino- each decade since its occupation by the Government, 
was, 1800, 14,093 ; 1810, 24,023 ; 1820, 33,039 ; 1830, 39,834 ; 
1840, 43,712; 1850, 51,687; 1800, 75,080; 1870, 131,700. 

Classified, 1870 : White, 88,278 ; colored, 43,404 ; Chinese, 
3 ; Indian, 15 ; male, 62,192 ; female, 69,508 ; native, 115,446 ; 



10 INDUSTRY AND WEALTH. 

foreign born, 16,250 ; native of District of Columbia, 52,340 ; 
of other States, 63,106. Of foreiijn countries, 16,254, viz : 
Ireland, 8,218 ; Germany, 4,920 ; England, 1,422 ; Scotland, 
352; British America, 290; France, 231; Italy, 182; all 
other foreign countries, 639. 

By civil divisions, 1870 : Washington, 109,199 ; George- 
town, 11,384; county, 11,117. 

Slave population : 1800, 3,244 ; 1810, 5,395 ; 1820, 6,377 ; 
1830, 6,119; 1840, 4,694; 1850, 3,687; 1860, 3,185; 1870, 
none. 

Total, exclusive of Alexandria County : 1800, 8,144 ; 1810, 
15,471 ; 1820, 23,336 ; 1830, 30,261 ; and 1840, 33,745 ; subse- 
quently, as above. 

The increase to 131,700 during the decade ending in 1870 
indicates an unusually rapid gTOwth. Tliis will be f urtlier 
promoted, as the disposition already manifested by citizens of 
means in all parts of the country to make the National Capi- 
tal a place of winter resort increases. 

Miscellaneous Statistics, 1870. — Area, 64 sq. m. ; persons to 
a sq. m., 2,057.81. Families, 25,276; persons to a family, 
5.21. Dwellings, 23,308 ; persons to a dwelling 5.65. Per- 
sons in each class of occupations : Agriculture, 1,365 ; male, 
1,350 ; female, 15. Professional and personal services, 29,845 ; 
male, 17,927; female, 11,918. Trade and transportation, 
6,126; male, 5,852; female, 274. Manufacture, mechanical, 
and mining, 11,705; male, 10,071; female, 1,634. Other 
statistical information will be found under appropriate heads. 

Vital Statistics.-The District is situated in one of the health- 
iest regions in the country. J^Totwithstanding the large num- 
ber of Strangers constantly arriving in the city and the 
irregular habits of a large proportion, the average death-rate 
compares favorably with otiier sections. Tiie census of 1870 
shows the following results : Oregon, 1 death to 146 popula- 
tion, the most favorable ; Minnesota, 1 to 124 ; New Hamp- 
shire, 1 to 74 ; Pennsylvania, 1 to 66 ; District of Columbia, 1 
to 65 ; California, 1 to 62 ; Missouri, 1 to 61 ; Massachusetts, 1 
to 56 ; Louisiana, 1 to 50. The percentage of deaths to pop- 
ulation in tlie District is 1.53. The aggregate number of 
deaths in 1870 was 2,015 : males, l,06o ; females, 950 ; ag- 
gregate population, 131,700. Of the deaths, 929 died under 
theage of 5 years. The principal diseases are pulmonaiy 
and fevers, in particular localities. Tlie fevers are generally 
intermitting and bilious. 

Industry and Wealth, 1870.— Valuation of Property, $74,- 
271,693; assessed real, $71,437,468; personal, $2,834,225. 



GEOLOGY. 11 

True value, real and personal, $126,873,618. This is exclu- 
sive of the property of the General Government. Taxation, 
not national, total $1,581,569 ; countv, $49,975 ; city, $1,531,- 
594 ; 1860, total $260,218 ; 1870, public debt, not national, 
$2,596,545. Agriculture: Acres improved, 8,266 ; wood land, 
2,428 ; other unimproved, 983 ; value of farms, $3,800,230 ; 
implements, &c. $39,450 ; value of productions, betterments, 
and additions to stock, $319,517. In 1860 there were 17,474 
acres improved and 16,789 unimproved, with a value of but 
$2,989,267. Manufactures : Establishments, 952 ; capital, 
$5,021,925; products, $9,292,173. In 1860 there were but 
429 establishments, with capital $2,905,865, and products 
$5,412,102. No mining or established fisheries. 

Agriculture. — The cereals and other crops of the N". belt 
of the JN". temperate zone are cultivated with success in the 
District of Columbia. Fruits and vegetables in great variety 
are also grown. The markets of the capital are abundantly 
supplied from the \dcinity, and rank with, if they do not ex- 
cel, the finest in other parts of the United States. 

Topography. — The District of Columbia presents a pleasing 
variety of landscape. On the shores of the Potomac, towards 
the NW., the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge range of the 
Appalachian chain approach the city, and form the wild and 
romantic scenery of rugged rocky hills and deep valleys along 
the Potomac at the Little and Great Falls. The remainder 
of the District consists of sweeping and graceful undulations. 
The Potomac, from the KW., and the Anacostia, from the 
NE., unite their currents about the centre of the original 
bounds of the District, fi'om which point the main river flows 
in a southerly direction, until it passes the line. A number 
of smaller streams, including Rock and Tiber Creeks, which 
water all parts of the District, find theu' outlets into the Po- 
tomac or Anacostia. 

Geology.— The soil of the District bordering the Potomac 
is alluvial, formed by the rich deposits of the river, brought 
down from the mountains. The elevated lands consist almost 
exclusively of yellow clay, interspersed with sand and gravel. 
Occasionally a mixture of loam and clay is met with. Rock 
Creek divides the primitive from the alluvial soil. Above 
JRock Creek the shores of the Potomac are fined with primi- 
tive rocks. Shortly after leaving the District the red sand- 
stone appears. In some parts the stone frequently contains 
leaves of trees and ligneous fragments. A species of gneiss, 
composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica, is also abundant, and 
constitutes the underlying rock of the entire District. 



12 ORNITHOLOGY. 

Mineralogy. — The mineralogy of the District is thus stated 
by jMr. Ilol)iiisoii, in his CatarogTie : 

Flint, on the shores of the "Eastern Brancli of the Poto- 
mac, near the Navy Yard, in small nodules. 

HORNESTONE, containing organic remains. 

Agatized Wood, woodstone , three miles north from Wash- 
ington, sometimes invested with minute crystals of quartz, 
fine specimens, and abundant. 

Schorl, in Georgetown, in gneiss. 

Lignite and Pyritical Fossil Wood, found abund- 
antly in digging wells. 

Iron Ore, in the vicinity of the woodstone locality, in de- 
tached masses, on the surface. Organic remains in sandstone 
abundant. 

Botany. — A list of the plants indigenous to the District of 
Columbia, prepared by J. A. Brereton, in 1822, from the ma- 
terial collected under ibhe auspices of the Washington Botan- 
ical Society, and entitled Florida Columbiana., presents 22 
classes and 288 A^arieties, following tlie Linnsean classification. 
Of the more familiar varieties found are the oak, (several va- 
rieties,) button- wood, red maple, sassafras, alder, mountain 
ash, linden, catalpa, locust, chestnut, tulip, horehound, pen- 
nyroyal, dogwood, blue-eyed grass, violet, wild honeysuckle, 
fox grape, Indian tobacco, mullien, wild sweet potato, night- 
shade, chickweed, touch-me-not, dog's bane, spiderwort, elder, 
sumac, calamus, superb lily, hellebore, free primrose, ground 
laurel, laurel, whortleberry, wild indigo, wild pink, cockle, 
poke, strawberry, dewberry, blackberry, sweet brier, May 
apple, columbine, ground ivy, motherwort, catnip, trumpet 
creeper, water-cress, wikl pepper-grass, passion flower, crow- 
foot geranium, snakeroot, pea vine, wild potato vine, dande- 
lion, thistle, wild lettuce, sunflower, ladies' slipper, sedge, 
nettle, burdock, hog weed, Indian turnip, cucumber. 

Zoology. — The animals native to the region embraced within 
and contiguous to the District of Columbia in primitive times 
resorted to this vicinity in large numbers to feed upon the rich 
pastures found upon the alluvial banks of the Potomac. 
Among these were several varieties of deer. There were also 
panther, black bear, wild cat, wolves, red and gray foxes, 
rabbits, beaver, raccoon, opossum, squirrels, (several varieties, ][, 
field mice. The larger species are exterminated. The num- 
ber of species of all kinds is stated at 42. 

Ornithology. — The feathered kingdom is well represent- 
ed. Jefferson, in his IS'otes on Virginia, speaks of 100 vari- 
eties of birds, most of which doubtless were fonnd in the 



CLIMATE. 13 

District. The wild turkey was found in great numbers. 
The canvas-back duck, which in early days resorted to tlie 
vicinity of Analostan Island, is yet met with in the estu- 
aries of the streams below the city; also the wild goose, 
swan, mallard, blue-winged teal, widgeon, and other spe- 
cies. In the swamps are found snfpe, rail, blackbirds, 
and reed-birds. The country generally abounds in quail. 
The huntiug of featliered game is restricted by law. The 
autumn mouths generally coustitute the season. The car- 
dinal grosbeak, mocking-bird, sparrow, linnet, yellow-bird, 
thrush, sand-piper, king--fisher, and lieron are also met Avith. 
The number of species of all kinds is stated at 236. 

Ichthyology — The Potomac, within the District, is stocked 
with lish in great numbers, some of yrhicli are of the finest 
varieties. Those best known are the stiu-geon, (weight from 
40 to 150 lbs.,) rock fish, (from 1 to i:j lbs..) shad, bass, gar, 
eel, (three varieties,) carp, lierriug, pike, perch, (four vai'ie- 
ties,) catfish, mullet, (three varieties,) and smelt. The shad 
of the Potomac are of excellent quality. In the season tliey 
are very abundant, and may be seen caught on the Virginia 
shore opposite the city ; also large quantities of herriug are 
caught below the city. The la^vs of Maryland, as early as 
1768, provided for tlie protection of the fisli. Subsequent 
acts placed a hea-sy penalty upon tlie destruction of young 
fish by weirs and dams, and to prevent beating witli cords or 
poles at certain seasons of the j^ear. A species of shark also 
ascends to the city. 

Herpetology. — There are about 50 species of reptiles. Of 
turtles and lizards there are several varieties. There are 
about 20 species of serpents, including the rattle, copperhead, 
black, garter, watcT, green snakes, and vipers. 

Climate. — The following meteorological summary, pre- 
pared at the office of tlie Chief Signal Officer, shows the con- 
ditions of the climate at the Washington, D. C, station for 
the year ending June 30, 1873 : 

1872. July— Mean temperature, 81°. 7; maximum, 101; 
minimum, 64; rainfall, 0.82; prevailing wind, S. 

August — M. temp. 79^.6; max. 98; min. 55; rain, 5.72; 
wind, S. 

September— M. temp. 69°.3 ; max. 98 ; min. 44 ; rain, 3.92 ; 
wind, NW. 

October — ^M. temp. 55^.8 ; max. 82 ; min. 33.5 ; rain, 4.83 ; 
wind, I^W. 

November — M. temp. 42°.2 ; max. 65 ; min. 14 ; rain, #.75 ; 
wind, KW. 



14 CLIMATE. 

December— M. temp. 31°; max. 48; min. 3; rain, 2.49 
wind, NW. 

1873. January— M. temp. 31°.7 ; max. 64.5; min. 7; rain 
3.73; wind, N. 

February— M. temp. 31°.l; max. 63; min. 1; rain, 4.69 
wind, NW. 

March— M. temp. 41°.5; max. 69; min. 4; rain, 3.03 
wind, NW. 

April— M. temp. 53o.3; max. 87; min. 36; rain, 3.19 
wind, NW. 

May— M. temp. 63°.6; max. 92.5; min. 43; rain, 5.21 
wind, NE. 

June— M. temp. 76°.5; max. 96; min. 46.5; rain, 1.63 
wind, S. 

For the year, mean temperature, 54° .3 ; total rain fall, 
42.01 inches. 

The climate of the District is generally salubrious, though 
it is subject to sudden changes, particularly in the spring. A 
comparison of tlie above figures with the same for previous 
years shows that the mean of the climate has not materially 
varied. The hottest months are July and August, and the 
coldest December and February. 

Jefferson, in his Notes, says that in 1780 the Chesapeake 
Bay was frozen from its head to the mouth of the Potomac. 
The extremes in that year were from 6° to 90°. In 1772 
there was a fall of snow averaging 3 feet in depth. At 
present the average is less than 8 inches. In summer storms 
of thunder and lightning are frequent. 



1 



1 Capitol. 

2 President's House. 
} Department of State. 

4 Trcusiiry Department. 

5 Wai Department. 

6 Na^y Department. 

7 Interior Department. 

8 (.eiicral Post Office. 
I) Department of Justice. 

10 Department of Agriculture 

11 Observatory. 
IZ Arsenal. 
IJ Navy YarJ. 

14 Marine Harracks. 

15 City Hall. 

16 Jail. 
7 Asylum. 



18 Centre Market. 

19 Smithsonian Institution. 
10 Wasliington Monument. 

21 Statue of Washington. 

22 Greenough's Washington. 
25 Statute of Jackson. 

24 Corcoran Gallery of .An. 

25 Botanical Garden. 

26 Magazines. 

27 Naval Hospital. 

28 Statue of Scott. 
19 Medical Museum. 
JO (Government I'rinting Oftic 
}l Winder's Building. 
52 Armory. 

J Congressional Cemetery. 




SECTION II. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY. 




AVEXUES, SQUAEES, STATUES, &c. 

HERE are three points within the city from which 
^the finest views of Washington may be obtained : 
1st. The Dome of the Capitol. 2d. The West Por- 
tico of the Capitol, reached through the central hall 
of the Library of the United States. 3d. The higher 
of* the north central towers of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution. Outside of the city the best points are from tlie 
tower of the Government Hospital for the Insane, beyond 
the Anacostia, and the portico of Arlington House, beyond 
the Potomac. The stranger should not fail to take advan- 
tage of at least one of these opportunities, and all would 
amply repay him. With the aid of this Hand-book and 
map lie will thus be able to form a perfect idea of the city 
and tlie location of the principal public buildings. 

Topography, — The site of Washington covers an undulat- 
ing tract, whicli lies along the left or E. bank of the Potomac 
River, between Rock Creek and the Anacostia. From the 
rugged elevations on the banks of Rock Creek a crescent- 
shajDcd ridge crosses the northern portions of the city. About 
two thirds its length it suddenly parts, to allow the fitful cur- 
rent of the Tiber through. From that point it rises and 
spreads out into the expansive plateau of Capitol Hill, which 
overlooks the Anacostia on the E. Within this encircling 
ridge the surface falls away in terraces and gentle slopes to 
the banks of the Potomac. In different parts of the city are 
eminences which aff"ord commanding situations for the public 
buildings. 

From the lower falls of the Potomac at Georgetown, where 
the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge Mountains give the face 
of nature a somewhat rugged appearance, a chain of low, 
wooded hills range on the N., and continuing on the op- 
posite shores of the Anacostia and Potomac, merge again in 
the hills on the Virginia side. These give the appearance of 
a vast ampitlieatre, in the centre of which stands the city. 

The mean altitude of the city is about 40 ft. above the or- 
15 



16 PLAN OP THE CITY. 

clinaiy low tide in tlie Potomac opposite. The more impor- 
tant elevations, accordin<^ to levels taken by Brev. Lieut. Col. 
George W. Hng-hes, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 
1850,^ are as follows : 

Foundation of St. John's Chnrch, ISTE. corner of 16th 
and H sts. ]S"W., opposite Lafayette Square and the Presi- 
dent's House, 65.50 ft. 

Corner of I and 19th sts. N"W., 82.10 ft. 

East base of Capitol, 89.50 ft. 

Base of Naval Observatory, 96.20 ft. 

Corner of N and 11th sts. KW., (highest point in the city,) 
103.70 ft. 

The soil upon wiiich the city is built is generally a yellow- 
ish clay, mixed with gravel. In digging wells near New Jer- 
sey av. trees well preserved were found at a depth of from 6 
to 48 ft. At one point a stratum of black mud was discov- 
ered at a depth of 18 ft. 

Tlie Tiber — so named more than a century before Wasli- 
mgton was founded, in the belief, it is said, that some day 
upon its banks would rise a capital greater than Rome, like 
its historic and larger namesake — runs through the city, di- 
viding it into two parts. Its fountain streams rise in the 
hills to the N., and enter the city in several branciies, the 
principal one in tlie vicinity of 1st st. W. ; it then pursues a 
SE. and S. course, till it crosses Massachusetts av., when it 
winds off to the SW. around the NW. base of Capitol Hill 
and across Pennsylvania av. and tlie Botanical Garden. 
Originally its course continued along the Mall and emptied 
into the JPotomac immediately W. of the Washington Mon- 
ument. Subsequently it was diverted into the Washington 
Canal at 8d st. W., which followed the line of B st. N. along 
the N. borders of the IMall. The tilling of the canal led to 
further changes. The Tiber and its tributaries have since 
been utilized by diverting tlicm into the sewerage system of 
the central and southern portions of the city; hence, although 
the stream traverses one of the most populous sections, its 
course is not traceable, the current flowing beneath heavy 
brick arches, upon which buildings have been erected and 
avenues, streets, and parks laid out. In primitive days the 
banks of tlie Tiber were lined with forests, and shad and her- 
ring in their season were cauglit in its waters, under the very 
shadow of the hill where the Capitol now stands. 

Plan of the City. — The plan of Washington was prepared 
in 1791 by Peter Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer of 
noticeable genius but eccentric habits, who had served in the 
Continental Army with suflEicient distinction to attract the 



PROPOSED EMBELLli-HMENTS. 17 

attention of Washin<^ton. In tlie work he was g'reatly as- 
sisted by tlie advice of Tliomas Jefterson, who, when diplo- 
matic representiitive of the United States at foreio-n conrts, 
had, witli an intuitive vision of tlie Avants of the f iitsire, stud- 
ied the plans of the cities of Europe visited by him, and was 
competent and prepared, with the aid of plans and his per- 
sonal knowledge of their details, to contribute an invaluable 
amount of information on this important subject. Tlie plan 
adopted combines the artistic beauty and grace of Versailles 
and the practical advantages of Babylon, revived by William 
Penn in Pliiladelpliia. In th-e conception of the' plan, the 
predominating object was to secure positions for the different 
public edifices ; also squares and areas of different shapes, 
which would afford fine prospects. The avenues were in- 
tended to connect the most distant parts with certain princi- 
pal central points, to insure a reciprocity of views. Lines N^. 
and S., intersected by others running E. and W., were to 
divide the city into streets and squares. These lines were to 
be so combined as to intersect at certain given points another 
set of divergent avenues, so as to form on the open spaces. 
Every grand transverse avenue and every principal divergent 
one, such as from the Capitol to the President's House, "was 
to be 160 ft. wide, laid out with 10 ft. sidewalks and 30 ft. of 
gravel- walk, planted with trees on either side, and 80 ft. of 
carriageway in the centre. The other avenues and streets 
leading to public buildings or markets were to be 130 ft. wide, 
and others 110 and 90 ft ■ 

Its Execution. — The site for the Capitol was determined 
upon as the initial point in execution of this plan. That im- 
portant question having been decided, Mr. Ellicott drew a true 
meridian line by celestial observation, which passed through 
the area intended for the Capitol. This he crossed by another, 
a due E. and W. line, which passed through the same area. 
These lines were accurately measured, and formed the basis 
on which the whole plan was executed. All these lines were 
run by a transit instrument, and the acute angles w^ere deter- 
mined by actual measurement, leaving nothing to the uncer- 
tainty of the compass. The avenues and streets were then 
laid down. 

Proposed Embellislimeiits — The ideas of the projectors not 
only contemplated a Federal City capable of infinite expan- 
sion, but also took in its creditable embellishment. Although 
the want of means and the general apathy of tlie Government 
and people allowed these suggestions to pass unrecognized, 
it is interesting to observe that the disgraceful and neglected 
condition of the Capital of the United States for neaxly three 



IB TROPOSED EMBELLISHMENTS. 

quarters of a centurj^ was not owing to any imperfections in 
the original plans. Directly S. of the President's House, in 
the triangular space between the Mall and the Potomac and 
the month of the Tiber, where the untinished and neglected 
Obelisk to the memory of Washington has stood for over a 
quarter of a century, was located the site for the Equestrian 
Statue of Wasliinglon^ voted by the Continental Congress in 
1783. On E. Capitol st., between 11th and 13th sts. E., and 
about the centre of the high plateau between the Capital and 
the Anacostia, where four aveiuies intersected, was laid out a 
spacious square, in which was to be erected a Historic Column, 
to be used also as a Mile or Itinerary Column^ from which sta- 
tion it was intended to calculate the distances to all i^laces 
within the United States and on the continent. This column 
would have answered the purpose of the celebrated Niphon- 
Bass or Bridge of Japan, situated in the Soto-Siro, or outsid^ 
of the castle in Yeddo. This bridge is considered as the cen- 
tre of the empire. From it the Tocaido extends to all parts 
of the empire, and geographical distances are computed. At 
the foot of Sth st. W., immediately on the banks of the Poto- 
mac, and commanding a fine view of the widening reach of 
the river below, was to be erected a Naval Itinerary/ Column^ 
to celebrate tlie first rise of the Xavy, and '' to stand a ready 
monument to consecrate its progress and achievements." The 
crest of the knoll on which the Patent Office now stands was 
set apart for a National Church and Mausoleum^ designed for 
the use of the Government on occasions of public prayer, 
thanksgivings, state funerals and orations, and for any other 
purpose national in character. The edifice was to be assigned 
to the special use of no particular sect or denomination, but 
to be equally open to all. It was also to be the place for such 
monumental or otlier tributes of a grateful countr}^ voted by 
the then late Continental Congress for those heroes who fell 
in the cause of liberty, and for such others as might be decreed 
a place there by the voice of the nation. Also, Jive grand 
Fovntains were to be erected at different prominent points: 
one S. of the Capitol, in the large irregular space formed by 
the intersection of Virginia and North and South Carolina 
avs.; one on Maryland av., at the intersection of F and Ifth 
sts. NE.; one at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Lou- 
isiana avs., near the present site of the Centre Market; one 
on New York av., at the intersection of I st., between 11th 
and 12th sts. NW.; and one on the N. side of Pennsylvania av., 
at the intersection of I st., between 20th and 21st sts. NW. 
It was proposed to supply these fountains from the springs 
and streams within the limits of the city. Between the Capi- 
tol and the Botanical Garden it was intended to construct a 



ORIGIN OF THE PLAN. 19 

Grand Cascade^ to be fed from the Tiber. Between Pennsyl- 
vania and Maryland avs., from 3d st. W., a space of 1,200 
ft. was laid down as the main approach to the "Federal 
House" or Capitol, and by whicli it was intended to reach 
the upper square of the "Federal House." The Mall was to 
form a grand avenue, 400 ft. wide and about 1 m. in length, 
bordered with gardens, to lead to the Equestrian Statue of 
Wasliington, or where the Monument now stands, and 
to connect the "Congress Garden with the President's 
Park." On E. Capitol St., which was to be 160 ft. wide 
to tiie proposed bridge across the Anacostia, the pavement 
on each side was to pass under archways, with shops. On 
the S. of the President's Parli was to be a well-improved 
"Field, 1,800 ft. wide and | m. long," part of the "Walk" 
from the President's House. This spacious reservation was 
designed for the more elegant houses and gardens of the city, 
to be used by diplomatic or other foreign representatives and 
prominent officials of the United States. Fifteen squares in 
the more conspicuous parts of the city were to be distributed 
among the States in the Union, for them to improve, or to 
subscribe a sum in addition to the value of the land for that 
purpose. The States were to embellish these squares within 
a limited time, by the erection of some appropriate statue, 
column, obelisk, or other appropriate mark, as they might 
determine, to the memory of the heroes of the Revolution, " to 
inspire the young," and designed to "leave a grand idea of 
patriotic interest." Other designated points were to be set 
apart for the erection, by the different denominations, of 
edifices for religious worship, No burial places were to be 
allowed within the limits of the city. Also squares and areas 
unappropriated were to be assigned for the uses of colleges 
and other institutions. All dwellings or other structures 
were to be built in accordance with certain regulations, so as 
to preserve uniformity. 

Origin of the Plan. — The resemblance between the plans 
of L'Enfant for Washington and L'JSTotre for Versailles will 
be apparent to any one who has visited the capital of the 
Western Republic and the magnificent royal residence of 
the kings of France. The grand avenues de Sceaux and de 
St. Cloud, diverging from tlie Cour Royale, are reproduced 
in Pennsylvania and Maryland avs., radiating from the E. 
front of the Capitol; E. Capitol st. is the Avenue de Paris; 
the Boulevard du Roi and the Allee da Potager in N. and 
S. Capitol sts. ; and the AUees de la Reine, de Noisy, des 
Paons, and de la Reine, which diverge from the E. extrem- 
ity of the Grand Canal, near the Basin d'Apollon, with the 



20 A RETROSPECT. 

omission of Allee de la Reine to* the SW., respectively, in 
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York avs. W. of the 
President's House. The missing avenue in the plan of 
Washington, the continuation of VeiTQont av., would have 
completed the resemblance, but for the interference of na- 
ture : the Potomac and the mouth of the Tiber standing 
in the way of the extension SW. of the President's House. 
Other striking features of the design of Versailles are observ- 
able. Washington, however, having in view the practical as 
well as the beautiful, might be said to combine the plans of 
two cities. The streets running at right angles have a regard 
for the facilities of business. While over these, with an eye 
to beautiful prospects and the advantageous display of the 
centres of attraction, at long ranges are laid the broad ave- 
nues, carrefours^ allees, and lawns of the imperial retreat at 
Versailles. 

A Ketrospect. — Though the city was originally laid out on 
a scale adequate to the necessities of a metropolis of more than 
half a million inhabitants, and with the proper regard for the 
adornment of the Capital of a gi-eat people in the future, the 
crude ideas entertained by subsequent statesmen respecting 
the political status of the Federal Territory and city were ad- 
Terse to any expenditure other than to establish there a sim- 
ple place of meeting for the representatives of the States — a 
sort of central agency, where the President and Executive 
officers might be stationed, and where Congress might come 
once a year or of tener, as the exigencies of the times required, 
to transact the business intrusted to them by the Constitu- 
tion — mainly to pass laws, appropriate money, levy taxes, 
declare war, ratify treaties, and confirm nominations. This 
class, then in the ascendancy, found it impossible, or were un- 
willing, to see anything national in the foundation of a Fed- 
eral Capital, and consequently opposed every measure look- 
ing beyond the mere provision of accommodations for the 
public offices. To build a capital in every sei^e sj'^mbolic 
and worthy of the Union was entirely foreign to their inter- 
pretation of the meaning of that portion of the Constitution 
which gave Congress the power to accept and exercise exclu- 
sive jurisdiction over a Territory to be solely devoted to the 
vises of the nation for the purposes of the Government. These 
notions, it would seem, M'ere a revival of a practice in "Ger- 
many centuries ago. On the left bank of the Rhine, imme- 
diately below the ancient village of Rhense, on the very brink 
of the stream, and apart from the habitations of men, is still 
to be seen the famous though rude rostrum or temple known 
as the Koenigsstuhl. It consists of stone seats, within a small 



RESERVATIONS. 



21 



circular wall, and overhead entirely open to the air. Here, 
in the earlier ages, the German electors assembled to deliber- 
ate upon the affairs of the empire, to perform acts for the 
common good, to make treaties, and to nominate or depose 
the emperors. Washington, by the class alluded to, was 
viewed in the light of the Koenigsstuhl of the United States. 
More mature thought, however, at last brought the people to 
look upon their capital as the political metropolis of the United 
States. This enlightened view is recent, dating no further 
back than 1861. It was not till 1870 that the march of much- 
needed improvement commenced. With this new state of 
affairs the Capital is annually becoming more worthy of the 
greatness of the Kepublic of forty millions of people. 

Eeservations. — In the plan of the city a liberal allowance 
of space was selected and marked out in the most desirable 
localities for the sites of pubhc buildings, parks, and for other 
purposes of the Government. These grounds were called res- 




THE MALL. 



ervations, and were numbered from 1 to 17, with an aggregate 
area of 541 acres, 1 rood, 29 perches. Those still possessed 
by the Government — several having been sold or granted 
away since — are designated on the maps by their original 
numbers, but are popularly called after the principal build- 



22 RESERVATIONS. 

ins: situated on them, or from the uses to which assigned, as 
follows : 

1. The President's Grounds include the N. and S. 
Parks and Lafayette Square^ extend from H st. on the N. 
to the mouth of Tiber Creek on the S., and from 15th to 17th 
sts. W., with the exception of a square in the NE. and NW. 
anglers. On these grounds are the President's House, con- 
servatories, and stables, flanked on the E. by the Treasury- 
Department, and on the W. by the State, War, and Navy 
Departments. The former now building. Total area of 
grounds, 83 a. 1 r. 22 p. 

2. The Capitol Grounds include the E. and W. Parks 
and the Mall^ extending from 1st st. E. to the prolongation 
of loth St. W., and between B sts. K. and S., with the excep- 
tion of a narrow connecting strip between 3d and 6th sts. W. 
This deficient portion of the Mall in 1822 was granted by Con- 
gress to the municipal corporation, to be sold in lots, to pay 
the expense of removing the old canal from its location on 
the S. side of Pennsylvania av., between 3d and 6th sts. W., 
to the middle of the Mall. On these grounds are the Capitol, 
Botanical Garden, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Ag- 
ricultural Department. Total area of grounds originally, 
227 a. r. 8 p. Under authoritj'^ of Congress, in 1872, squares 
ISo. 687 and 688, in the NE. and SE. angles of the E. Park, 
were purchased and thrown into the grounds. 

3. The Park extends from the W. line of the Mall, on 15th 
St. W., to the banks of the Potomac, and is separated from 
the S. gardens of the President's Grounds by B st. N., form- 
erly the line of the Tiber Creek and the Washington Canal. 
The old channel of the Tiber entered the Potomac on the 
NW. border of this reservation. These grounds are occupied 
by the Washington Monument and the Government Nurse- 
ries. Total area, 29 a. 3 r. 9 p. 

4. The University Square extends from E st. N. to the 
banks of the Potomac, and between 23d and 25th sts. NW. 
•On these grounds is the Naval Observatory. Total area, 21 
a. Or. 18 p. 

5. The Arsenad Grounds, foot of 4^ st. W., originally 
included the point of land at the confluence of the Anacostia 
and Potomac, from Greenleaf 's Point to T st. S., and between 
the mouth of James Creek and the line of 3d st. W. to the Po- 
tomac. Total area, 28 a. 2 r. 31 p. This reservation in 1857 
was extended by the purchase of the land between the line 
of the canal into James Creek and W. to the Potomac and 
N". to P St. S. 

6. The West Market Square, on the Potomac, at the 
foot of 20th and 21st sts. W. covered with water. 



RESERVATIONS. 23 

7. The Centre ISIarket Square, between the point of 
intersection of Pennsylvania and Louisiana avs. on the N. 
and B st. N. on the S., and from 7th to 9th sts. W. Total 
area, 2 a. 3 r. 29 p. This reservation in 1860 was gi-anted to 
the corporation for the use originally designed, and is occu- 
pied by the principal market in the city. 

8. The National Church Square, between 7th and 
9th sts. W. and F and G sts. N., now occupied by the Patent 
Office. Area, 4 a. r. 22 p. 

9. Judiciary Square, between the intersection of Indi- 
ana and Louisiana avs. on the S. and G st. N. on the N. and 
4th and 5th sts. W., occupied by the City Hall and Jail. Area, 
19 a. 1 r. 27 p. In 1819 a portion of this reservation was 
granted by Congress to the corporation for a Town House or 
City Hall. In 1845 another portion was granted for Public 
School puri)oses. 

10. Reservation N". of Pennsylvania av., between 3d 
and 4^ sts. W., in 1822, was granted by Congi-ess to the cor- 
poration, to be sold in lots, to pay for the removal of the canal, 
which then ran along the S. side of Pennsylvania av. to the 
centre of the Mall, from 3d to 6th sts. W.,.and to fill up the low 
grounds in that vicinitj^ Total area, 6 a. r. 31 p. 

11. Reservation between B and C sts. N. and 2d and 
3d sts. W. Total area, 3 a. 2 r. 34 p. Disposed of same as 
reservation No. 10. 

12. Reservation N. of Pennsylvania av., between 2d 
and 3d sts. W. Total area, 1 a. 1 r. 4 p. Disposed of same 
as reservations Nos. 10 and 11. 

13. Hospitax. Square, from the Anacostia to 19th st. E. 
and between B and G sts. S. Total area, 77 a. r. 26 p. On 
this square stands the ^lagazine, Alms House, and new Jail. 

14. The Navy Yard, bounded by M st. S. on the N., 
the Anacostia on the S., and lies between the continuation of 
6th and 9th sts. E. Total area, 12 a. 3 r. 15 p. On these 
grounds are the buildings, docks, ship-houses, and works of 
the Washington Navy Yard. 

15 and 16. Eastern Market House Squares, near the 
Navy Yard. These reservations were granted by Congress 
to the municipal corporation for the purpose stated. Area, 
No. 15, 1 a. r. 21 p. ; No. 16, 1 a. r. 23 p. 

17. Town House Square, the irregular space S. of the 
Capitol, between S. Capital st. and 3d st. E. and E and H 
sts. S., intersected by New Jersey and Virginia avs. Total 
area, 21 a. 1 r. 29 p. 

The aggregate area of the public reservations in the city, 
deducting those disposed of, correction of errors, and modifi- 
cations, is 513 acres. 



24 AVENUES. 

In 1812 the President of the United States was authorized 
to take possession of the whole of the public reservations, and 
to lease them out for not exceeding^ ten years, on such terms 
and conditions as in his judgment might best effect their im- 
provement for walks, botanic gardens, or other public pur- 
poses. 

A detailed description of the reservations occupied by the 
Government will be found in connection with the public 
buildings or their other designathig feat '.re. 

Avenues. — The avenues and streets aave an ag'gregate 
length of 264 m. — avenues 65 m., stren^ 199 m. — and are of 
greater width than those of any other city in the world. 
Witli the alleys and open spaces at intersections they cover 
2,554 a., or about two thirds of the area of the entire city. 
Tlie ratio of street areas to areas of three of the principal 
cities in the United States and the same number in Europe 
is : Paris, France, 25.8 per cent. ; Berlin, Prussia, 26.4 per 
cent. ; Boston, United States, 26.7 per cent. ; Philadelphia, 
tjnited States, 29.8 per cent.; Nev/ York, United States, 
85.3 per cent. ; Vienna, Austria, 35.8 per cent. ; Washing- 
ton, United States, 41.8 per cent. The carriageways of the 
avenues and streets are well laid, with a variety of pavements, 
amounting to over 115 m. ISTov. 1, 1872, in the following pro- 
portions : Wood, 34.71 m. ; round block, 5.05 m. ; compound 
wood and concrete, 0.87 m. ; concrete, 16.34 m. ; Belgian and 
granite, 4.01 m.; cobblestone, 6.76 m.; macadamized, 8.08 
in. ; graveled and roads, mostly in the county, 39.22 m. : 
total, 115.54 m. Cost, $4,081,716 78. At the time of going 
to press 50 m. were in course of completion. This length 
is computed on the basis of an assumed width of 32 ft. The 
improved styles of pavements have been laid on principal 
thoroughfares oi business and pleasm-e and on the avenues 
and streets occupied by the better class of residences. The 
cobblestone, in streets less traveled, mostlj^ south of Penn- 
sylvania av. The IMcAdam is but little used within the city, 
owing to the dust, but is extensively employed on tlie higli- 
wa.ys traversing the rural districts within the Territory. 
Originally there were 13 avs., named after the States in the 
Union when the city was laid out. Others on the fii'st plan, 
but undesignated, were named after States subsequently ad- 
mitted, tliough not in the order of their admission. There 
are now 21 avs., nineteen varying from 120 to 160 ft. wide, 
and two 85 ft. wide, radiating from principal centres or con- 
necting difl'erent parts of the city. 

From THE Capitoi.— 

DEiiAWARE av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' E. to Boundary, 



AVENUES. 25 

New Jersey av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' W. to Boiniclaiy. 

^lARYiiAND av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 25' E. to Boundary. 

Pennsylvania av., 160 ft. wide, S. 62° 27' E . to Anacostia. 

Tiiese same avs. are continued beyond the point of inter- 
section, and form tlie corresponding^ radiation on the S. and 
W. Maryland av., W. of Capitol, ''N. 70° 22' E. The inter- 
mediate broad streets intersectmg at right-angles are K., E., 
and S. Capitol sts. 

From THE President's House — 

New York av., 130 ft. wide, N. 66° 9' E. to Boundary. 

Vermont av., 130 ft. wide, N. 24° 31^' E. to Boundary. 

Connecticut av., 130 ft. wide, N. 24° 31|' W. to Bound- 
ary. 

Pennsylvania av., 130 ft. wide, N. 66 W. to Kock Creek 
and Georgetown. 

These same avenues are continued from the centre of inter- 
section at the President's House, and form the corresponding 
radiation on the SE. and SW. 

Pennsylvania av., from the President's House to the Capi- 
tol, is 160 ft. wide, and runs S. 70^ 33' 30'^ E. New York 
av., W. of President's House, is 160 ft. wide, and runs S. 
70^ 27' W. 

From Lincoln Squabe, E. of the Capitol — 

Tennessee av., 120 ft. wide, N. 32° 25' E. to Boundary. 

North Carolina av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 30'E. to Bound- 
ary. 

:Massachusetts av., 160 ft. wide, S. 62° 26' E. to Hospital 
Square. 

Kentucky av., 120 ft. S. 33° E. to the Anacostia. 

Tennessee and Kentucky avs. start here, while Massachu- 
setts and North Carolina avs. intersect and cross, forming 
the corresponding diverging avs. on the W. 

Under the old coi-poration, with the exception of a few 
spasmodic attempts, as the necessities of an increased popu- 
lation became urgent, no efforts were made to improve the 
avenues, streets, and spaces. For a half a century Pennsyl- 
vania av. was the only improved thoroughfare. An act of 
Congress, approved April 6, 1870, authorized the corporation 
to set apart one half the width of any or all the avenues and 
streets under its jurisdiction for parking, leaving a roadwa}^ 
of not less than 35 ft. width in the centre, or two such road- 
ways on each side of the park, should that be placed in the 
centre. Pennsylvania and Indiana avs. and 4| st. W., be- 
tween the City Hall and Pennsylvania av., were excluded 
from this arrangement. On July 8, of the same year. Con- 
gress authorized the paving of Pennsylvania av. at the Gov- 
ernment expense . Under the Board of Public Works, created 



26 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 



under the organic act of 1871 of the District, the improvement 
of the thorouoflifares of the city was systematically under- 
taken. A plan of g:rades was adopted, to which all avenues 
and streets were niade to conform. This gave a regularity 
and finish which do not fail to strike the eye with pleasing 
effect. 

Description of Avenues.— The broad thoroughfares are 
among the principal attractions of the National Capital, and 
the finest possessed by any city in the world. A drive upon 
them, especially of an evening, when thronged with hand- 
some equipages, affords a truly enjoyable recreation. 

Pe7insyloania av. is not only the principal, bat also one of 
the two longest in the city. It is, however, twice interrupted 
in its continuity ^by the President's House and Capitol. Its 
width varies from 130 to 160 ft. It is about 4^ m. in length, 
from Georgetown and Rock Creek to the Anacostia, and is the 
main line of communication across the city. Along its route 
are the Washington Circle^ the l^arand Treason/ JDejjartments^ 
and Fresideufs House. From 17tli to loth sts. the avenue pre- 




puesidsnt's house, 1670. 

sents a ])articularly fine prospect, passing between the North 
Park of the President's Grounds, in front of which is a side- 
walk 34^- ft. wide, and Lafayette Square. From loth st. W. to 
the Capitol it traverses the entire length of the finest business 
quarter and the fashionable drive. It thence winds up and 
around the hill surmounted by the Capitol, and continues to 
its terminus on the banks of the Anacostia. At the foot of 
8th St. E., leaving this avenue, is the N'avy Yard. Pennsyl- 






DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 27 

vania av. was also the earliest used. In 1800 it was opened 
and rudely drained from the Capitol to Georgetown. During 
the administration of Jeft'erson, from the Capitol to the Pres- 
ident's House it was laid out in three roadways. A row of 
Lombardy poplars was planted between tlie centre or main 
roadway and that on either side. A flag-stone foot walk also 
ran from the Capitol to Georgetown. In 1825 the sidewalk 
on the S. side was paved with stone from the Capitol to the 
Navy Department. In 1832 the trees were cut down, the 
curbs extended, and a drained macadamized roadway, 45 ft. 
wide in the centre, laid out. The ''centre sti-ip," however, 
was not entirely completed till 1849, and then was shaded 
with elms, maples, and "trees of heaven." In 1842 it was 
lighted with lamps from the Capitol to the President's House ; 
subsequently it was paved with cobblestones, and so remained 
till 1870. 

Massachusetts Avenue is the longest unbroken in the 
city, being over 4 J m. It begins at the NAV. Boundary, 
at 22d St. W. ; is 160 ft. wide, and extends to the Ana- 
costia SE., intersecting New Hampshire and Connecticut 
avs. at 19th and P sts. NW., forming the F-street Circle; 
Vermont av. at 14th and M sts. NW., forming the Fourteenth- 
street Circle; New Yorkav. at 8th and K sts. NW., at Mount 
Vernon Flace; New Jersey av. at 1st and G srs. NW. ; Del- 
aware av., between E and F sts. NE. ; Maryland av. and oth 
and C sts. NE. at Stanton Flace; Tennessee, North Caro- 
lina, and Kentucky avs. and E. Capitol and 12th sts. E. at 
Lincoln Square^ and thence to the Hospital Grounds on the 
Ana^ostia. 

This avenue is the most beautiful in the city, gi-adually 
rising to an elevation considerably above the surrounding 
heights, from which it descends in easy gradation to the mid- 
dle of the broad intermediate valley, and rises again on the 
east. On its route are the finest circles and squares. The 
roadway is in the centre, while on either side are brick side- 
walks and plots of grass. From Rock Creek this avenue is 
paved with concrete, and from that point to New Jersey av. 
wood pavement. Beyond it is ungraded. 

Vermont and Connecticut Avenues, 130 ft. wide, 
extending respectivel}^ NE. and NW. from the N. side of 
Lafayette Square, pass through two of the most attractive 
portions of the city. 

New York Avenue, 130 ft. wide, is a fine thoroughfare. 
It begins at the Potomac and runs across the city in a NE. 
direction. From the Treasury Department it is parked in 
the centre, with a fine vista of young trees. 

Mabyland Avenue, 160 ft. wide, extends NE. across 



28 DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 

the city from Lon,^ Bridge to the Baltimore Turnpike. SW. 
of the Capitol it is used for railroad purposes. 

New Jersey and Delaware Avenues, 160 ft. wide, 
begin respectively at the Anacostia and the Arsenal Grounds, 
and run NW. and NE. to the Boundary, crossing each other 
at the Capitol. 

Georgia Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the Arsenal 
Grounds and runs iSTE., near and parallel to the Anacostia, 
striking it for a short distance W. of the Kavy Yard, and ter- 
minates at the Hospital Grounds. 

South Carolina Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at Ees- 
ervation No. 17, S. of the Capitol, runs NE., and temiinates 
in Massachusetts av. 

Virginia Avenue, 120 ft. wide, begins near the mouth 
of Eock Creek and runs SE., crossing New Hampshire and 
New York avs., to the Potomac, near the SW. corner of the 
President's Grounds. On the S. boundary of the Mall, at 
12th St., it resumes, the width being 160 ft., and terminates 
at the Anacostia, crossing Maryland av.. Reservation No. 17, 
and Georgia av. 

Rhode Island Avenue, 130 ft. wide, starts at Connect- 
icut av. and M st. N., runs NE., intersecting Massachusetts 
av. at 16th and N sts. NW. ; Vermont av. at 13th and P sts. 
NW., to tlie Boundary. 

New Hampshire Avenue starts at the Potomac, be- 
tween E and F sts. N. ; is 120 ft. ^\ide, and runs NE., crossing 
Virginia av., 23d and P-strcet Circles, to the Boundary. 

Louisiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, 
runs SW. to Central Market Square, crossing Pennsylvania 
avenue. 

Indiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, 
runs SE. to 1st st. W. In 1850 it was improved from the City 
Hall. 

Missouri and Maine Avenues, 85 ft. mde,»begittat the 
E. line of the Mall at 6th st. W. : run i-espectively SE. and 
NE. to 3d St. W., the western limit of the Botanical Garden. 

Ohio Avenue begins at the E. line of the S. Park of the 
President's Grounds at C st. N. ; runs SE. to Centre Market 
Square. 

North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky Ave- 
nues, in the E. part of the citj'^, are but little built upon. 

All these avenues are more or less improved by the laying 
of stone, concrete, wood, cobble, or Belgian pavements, or 
macadamized or graveled roads, with parking. 

Executive Avenue, the construction of which began in 
1871, begins at Pennsylvania av. E . and W. of the President's 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 29 

House, and opposite 15J and 16^ sts. W. The W. entrances 
each consist of 6 massive granite gate-posts, upon wliicii are 
swung' iron gates.^ The avenue encloses a portion of the Pros- ' 
ident's Grounds on the E. and W., and on the opposite sides 
are the Treasury Department E., and the War and Xavy De- 
partment and the edifice now building for the joint use of 
the State, War, and ^axy Departments W. A granite stair- 
case, 20 ft. wide, ^nth a fountain at the foot of the E. one, is 
built in the terrace on either side of the President's House, 
completing communication by the gravel walks leading to the 
Executive Departments. The sidewalks are richly paved and 
well lighted. Passing S. of the President's House, on either 
side, at the prolongation of E st. ^N"., the two wings of theav. 
form a semi-circle, the two extremities uniting opposite the S. 
Portico of the President's House, and proceed in a broad sin- 
gle line due S. to B st. JST., wiiere the av. enters the Park or 
Monument Grounds, and joins the beautiful Drive, commenced 
in 1872, connecting the President's and Capitol Grounds. 

The Drive. — Lea\ang the S. terminus of Executive av., 
the Drive^ consisting of a graveled roadway of 35 ft., planted 
on either side with trees, sweeps along the banks of the Po- 
tomac on the right, aifording a superb view of the expansive 
bosom of the river N., till lost behind the hill crowned by the 
Xaval Observatory, and S. as far as the Long Bridge. On the 
left is a Lake, in course of completion, covering 3 a., fed by a 
spring on its SE . border and the waters of the Potomac . With- 
in a small enclosure, about 100 yds. W. of the Washington 
Monument, and on the left, near the av., is a gray freestone, 
a little over 2 ft. in height, which marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia, as laid out in 1791-'92. The Drive now 
winds around the Monument. On the S. may be seen the 
gi-een-houses and plants of the Government Propagating Gar- 
den. The wooden buildings, still standing on the hill near 
by and used as Government hospitals and by the Commissary 
Department of the United States Army 1861-'6.5, are now 
occupied for blacksmith-shops, tools, and storage by the 
Commissioner of Public Buildings and Grounds. The Drive 
entei-s 14th st. W. nearly opposite the entrance of the Agricul- 
tural Grounds, and connects with the carriageways of that 
beautiful reservation. At this point also commences the Mall. 
Prior to 1816 this attractive portion of the public grounds 
was covered \vith majestic oaks, which were cut down about 
that year, imder the stipulation in the agreement of the Com- 
missioners with the original proprietors that the latter should 
be entitled to the wood on the lands. Even the trees which 
cast a grateful shade over a refreshing spring at the foot of 
Capitol Hill, near Pennyslvania av.^ were thus destroyed. 



30 STREETS. 

Crossino' 12th st. W., the drive enters the quiet retreat of the 
Smithsonian Institution'^ and leaving this at 7th st., enters 
Armory Square^ so named from the Armory of tlie District 
Militia located on the S. portion, and takes a winding course 
to 6tli St. W. This portion of thi; roadway is 1,300 ft. long, 
and will cross the track of the Baltimore and Potomac Rail- 
road at Gtli St. W. on an ornamental iron bridge, with a 40 
ft. roadway and 12 ft. sidewalk on either side, to be con- 
structed by that company in compliance with the act of Con- 
gress. From Gtli st. the Drive continues through the reserva- 
tion to ^ St. W., and thence W. to the line of 3d st. W., 
terminating opposite the W. entrance to the Botanical Gar- 
den. It is proposed to extend the Drive across tlie garden, 
so as to complete the connection with the Capitol Grounds 
without leaving the line of the Mall, thus carrying out the 
original plan of the city, which contemplated a walk and 
drive between the President's House and the Capitol. The 
Drive, in connection with the roads of the Agricultural and 
Smithsonian grounds, is nearly 2 m. in length. 

Streets.— The streets of the city run from :N". to S. and E. 
to W., crossing at right angles. Tlie streets running IS", and 
S. are designated numerically and by the words E. or W., 
according to their positions with respect to the Capitol, which 
is the dividing point — as 1st st. E. of the Capitol, or 1st st. 
W. of the Capitol, and so on. The streets running E. and 
W. are designated by the letters of the alphabet aiid by the 
word N". or S., according as they arc situated ^. or S. of the 
Capitol, the dividing point — as A st. N"., A st. S., which are 
the first streets N.'and S. of the Capitol, and so on. The 
streets E, of the Capitol number from 1st to 31st st., includ- 
ing the seven subject to overflow, and W. from 1st to 28th W. 

The lettered streets run to W st. IS", and to V st. S. The 
limit of the city inland, or on the N., is known as Boundary 
Street. 

To avoid confusion, the city is divided into 4 quarters or 
sections— NE. and NW., SE.^ and S>Y. N". and S. Capitol 
sts., running on a K. and S. line from the Capitol and E. 
Capitol St., and the prolongation of the same replaced by the 
Mall, running at right angles, constitute the dividing lines. 
The streets vary in width from 70 to 160 ft., and are paved, 
macadamized, or graveled, according to their importance. 

The avenues and streets are numbered after the plan 
adopted in Philadelphia ; that is, 100 numbers to each square, 
commencing E. or W. and N. or S. of the Capitol. For in- 
stance, 100 would be the first number beyond 1st St., and 
200 beyond 2d to 3d St., and so on, the intermediate numbers 



RENOMENCLATURE. 31 

endino; in the block. The same rule is adopted for lettered 
streets and avenues. 

Principal Streets.— E. Capitol Street, 160 ft. wide, ex- 
tending ni front of tlie Central Portico of the Capitol E. to 
the Anacostia, was originally designed to be the chief street 
of tlie capital. 

:N'. and S. CAPITOL STREETS, each 130 ft. wide, and re- 
ceive their designation from the direction they take witli 
respect to the Capitol as the centre. Tliese streets lie on tlie 
Jirst meridian or longitade for the United States, as laid down 
by Ellicott, 1791. 

K Street N., the longest unbroken lettered street, is 148 
ft. wide, and extends from Rock Creek to the Anacostia. It 
is one of tlie most beautiful thoroughfares of the city, and on 
much of its length is bounded on either side by tine residences. 

16th Street W. is 160 ft. wide, and extends from Lafaj^- 
ette Square, opposite the N. Portico of the President's House, 
due N. to the Boundary. It presents a tine prospect. 

Boundary Street "follows on the line of the city limits, 
from the intersection of Maryland av., 15th, and II sts. NE., 
to Rock Creek on the W. 

There are a few streets which are not part of the general 
plan of the city. These vary from 40 to 65 ft. in width. 

Eenomenclature. — It is proposed to abolish the present sys- 
tem of nomenclature of the streets with duplicate letters and 
numbers. This plan is not only extremely confusing to stran- 
gers, but embarrasshig and a source of great inconvenience 
to residents. The proposed renomenclature contemplates for 
streets running JST. and S. a system of consecutive numbers, 
beginning at 2Sth«t. W., which would be 1st st., and termi- 
nating at 31st St. E., which would be 60th St., the additional 
street necessary to make up that aggregate being 4^- st. AV. 
or 21st St. First sts. W. and E. at the Capitol would be 29th 
and 30th sts. respectively. N. and S. Capitol sts. would re- 
tain their present names. It is also proposed to adopt for the 
streets running E. and W. a nomenclature which would re- 
quire no alteration in the letters, selecting for each the name 
of some citizen eminent in the service of^^the Government or 
in private life, the initial letter to correspond with the letter 
which now designates the street. For instance: 

Streets North of tlie Capitol — Adams, Benton, Clay or Clin- 
ton, Douglas, Everett, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Jeffer- 
son, Kent, Lincoln. Marshall, Nelson, Otis, Peabody, Quincy, 
Randolph, Story, Tompkins, Upshur, Van Buren, and Web- 
ster. 

Streets South of the Capitol — Anderson, Bainbridge, Cliaun- 



32 SEWERS. 

cey, Decatur, Ellsworth, Farragut, Grant, Harrison, Jackson, 
Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Nash or Nicholson, Overton, Per- 
ry, Quitman, Rodgers, Scott, Taylor, Union, Van Ness, and 
Warren. 

Parking. — The street parks and sidewalks of the avenues 
and streets are generally planted with trees possessing the 
merits of stateliness and symmetry of growth, expansive foli- 
age, early spring verdure, variety of colors in autumn, healthi- 
ness, cleanliness, and vigorous and rapid growth. Tiie varie- 
ties used are the silver maple, American linden, European 
sycamore maple, American elm, tulip tree, sugar maple, sweet 
gum, red maple, Norway maple, negundo, American ash, 
button wood, oaks, and European ash and linden. The trees 
are usually planted 40 feet apart. The American white elm 
has been planted on E. Capitol st. The supply is kept up 
from the reserve Nursery on the banks of the Anacostia in 
the grounds S. of the Alms House, where there is constantly 
a stock of upwards of 20,000 plants from 2 to 9 feet in height. 
In 1873, 6,000 young trees were planted. All are carefully 
boxed, and at intervals watered and pruned : the latter in or- 
der to preserve uniformity of growth. The narrow roadways 
and side or centre parking of the wider avenues and streets 
overcome their barren appearance, and adds vastly to the 
adornment of the capital. 

Quarters. — The arrangement of the streets with respect to 
the Capitol, as we have seen, divides the city into 4 sections. 
The Northwest Quarter constitutes the finest portions of the 
capital, embracing the President's House, all the Departments 
and Foreign Legations, the principal business establishments, 
fashionable residences and squares. The Southicest Quarter^ 
formerly known as "the Island," from its separation from the 
rest of the city by the Washington Canal, now filled, is gen- 
erally the quarter of persons of moderate means. In it are 
also the wharves. The Northeast Quarter is the same as the 
SW. The Southeast Quarter, mth a small portion of the NE., 
is known as " Capitol Hill," from the Capitol, which stands 
on the W. brow. It was intended, originally, to make it bj^ 
art what it is by nature — the finest portion of the city. It has 
many attractions, and promises, in time, to compete with the 
magnificence of the West End. 

Sewers. — The cities of Washington and Georgetown, for 
the iwrpose of sewerage and drainage, are divided into 5 sec- 
tions. 1st. Georgetown, embracing the limits of that city. 
2d. Slash Run, beginning at the intersection of Rock Creek 
and K st. NW. ; thence along K to 21st NW. ; along 21st to 
I St. N. ; along I to 17th W. ; along 17th to H st. N. ; along 



SEWERS. 33 

H to 16th W. ; along 16th to I st. N. ; along I to 15th W. ; 
along 15th to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. ; 
along 14th to Boandaiy; along Boundary to Rock Creek; 
along Rock Creek to beghming. 3(1. The intermediate sec- 
tion, beginning at the intersection of Rock Creek andK st. 
KW. ; thence along K to 21st NW. ; thence alonof 21st to I st. 
NW.; thence along I to 19th NW. to G st. ^W.; thence 
along G to the Potomac River ; along Potomac River and Rock 
Creek to the beginning. 4th. Tlie intercepting section, be- 
ginning at the intersection of Potomac River and G st. jS'W. ; 
thence along G to 19th NW.; thence along 19th to I st. :^W. ; 
along I to 17th ; along 17th to II st. N". ; along H to 16th W. ; 
along 16th to I st. N". ; along I to loth ^Y. ; along 15th to Ver- 
mont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th AY. ; along 14th to N" 
St. X. ; along ISI to Vermont av; along Vermont av. to O st. 
N. ; along O to 7th NW. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 
6th W. ; along 6th to B st. S. • along B to Potomac River; 
along Potomac River following the borders of stream to be- 
ginning. 5th. The Tiber Basin, beginning at intersection of 
Boundary and 14th st. ^V. ; along 14th to ^N" st. K. ; along N" 
to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to O st. N". ; along O to 
7th W. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 6th W. ; along 6th 
to B St. S. ; along B to Potomac River ; along Potomac liiver 
to the Anacostia; along the Anacostia to C st. NE.; along 
C to 15th E. ; along 15th to Boundary; along Boundary tb 
beginning. 

The sewerage of the city formerly drained into the canal, 
M'liich crossed the city from the Anacostia to the Potomac S. 
of the President's Grounds, From 3d to 15th st. W. it ran 
directly in front of the Capitol, and separated the beautiful 
grounds on the Mall from the rest of the city. This open mass 
of tilth and disease was tilled in 1872. 

The B'Stred Intercepting Sewer ^ 1 m. in length and 12 
ft. in diameter, was constructed in place of the canal. Tiie 
main branch empties into the Potomac at the foot of 17th 
St. W. One of the larg'est sewers in the world is tlie Tiber- 
creeh Sewer^ so named from the stream which flows through 
it. It is a brick arch 24 to 30 ft. si)an, and 15 ft. high, and 
drains the entire city E of 6th st. W.— about 3,000 acres. Its 
outlet is at the Tiber arch, near the W. entrance to the Botan- 
ical Garden, on 3d st. W., into which the smaller branch of the 
intersecting or canal sewer from 7th st. W. empties. The line 
of this great sewer, from its mouth, passes under the Botan- 
ical Garden and Pennsylvania av. N. to E st. N". at its junc- 
tion with N. Capitol st., which it follows to K st. N. The 
portion from II to K st. is now under construction. The- 
destination of this sewer is the Boundary, reached along I^ 
3 



84 SQUARES. 

St. N. to 1st St. E. ; thence by the latter. When completed, it 
will be 2 m. in length. Branch sewers of 9 ft. each are behig 
built out from 3cl st. NW. and F st. KE. From the Tiber 
arch a large sewer extends SE. The Slash-^un Sewer ^ -| m, 
long, 10 ft. span, named after the natural watercourses wliicli 
enter the city in several branches on its N W. boundary .^ empties 
into Rock Creek. A 9-ft. conduit sewer is also being built 
along Boundary st., in the NE. part of the city, as supple- 
mentaiy to the Tiber-basin system. Small tile and pipe sew- 
ers convey the sewerage of streets and dwellings into the 
g-eneral system. There are about 10 m. of main sewerage, 
mcluding 5 m. of brick sewers, from 4 to 9 ft. in diameter, 
and 80 m. of tile and pipe. 

Squares. — In addition to the grounds attached to the public 
buildings, and which will be described in that connection, 
there are a number of beautiful squares in various parts of the 
city. Those W. of the Capitol are — 

Lafayette Square, a parallelogi-am of 7 a., K. of the 
President's House, and between 15| and 1G| sts., frequently 
popularly known as Madison and Jackson sts., respectively, 
from the early residence of those distinguished gentlemen 
upon them. Tlie broad av. extending to the N. is IGtli St., 
tlie high ground at its terminus being Meridian Hill. From 
tlie President's Grounds on tlie S. it is separated by a broad 
av., which extends from 15th to 17th sts. This square is beau- 
tifully laid out in graveled walks with seats. It is adorned 
with trees and shrubberj^, many of them rare and valuable 
species and in pleasing variety. It is lighted throughout 
with gas, two of the 'lamp-posts combining drinking foun- 
tains. A watchman's lodge, also partly for the public," stan ds 
on tlie N. side. The building is approached at either end by 
circular walks, screened by rows of evergreens upon each 
side and in front Hower beds. Two bronze Vases 7 ft. high, 
weighing 1,300 lbs. each, mounted on granite pedestals, stand 
on the E. and W. sides of the square. These are copies from 
an antique vase, and are the work of the brass foundry of the 
N'avy Yard. Thej^ were cast with the permission of Mr. liobe- 
son, Secretaiy of the Navy, and reflect great credit upon the 
workshops of the Grovernment. In the centre of this square 
is Clark Mills's equestrian statue of General Andreiu Jackson, 
contracted for by the Jackson Monument Association, com- 
posed of the friends and admirers of the subject, who sub- 
scribed $12,000 for the purpose. In 184S Congress granted 
to the Association the brass guns and mortars captured by 
(he General at Pensacola. In 1850 an additional number of 
brass guns and national trophies, sufficient to complete the 



SQUARES. 



35 



Statue, vrere donated by Congress, In 1852 Congress appro- 
priated funds for the erection of the marble pedestal upon 
which it stands, and in 1853 made a further appropriation of 
$20,000 for the statue itself, and made it the property of the 
United States, The statue is one third larger than life, weighs 




JACKSON EQUESTIUAN STATCE. 

15 tons, and cost, inclusive of the value of metal and the 
amount contributed by the Association, $50,000, The hind 
parts and tail of the horse being solid, tlie animal is poised, 
without the aid of iron rods or other devices as in the great 
statues of Peter the Great, George III, and the Duke of Wel- 
lington, This was the first application of this principle. The 
statue was unveiled in the presence of a large number of peo- 
ple, Stephen A. Douglas delivering the oration, on the 8th 
day of January, 185^ the anniversary of the battle of New 
Orleans, in which General Jackson routed the British forces 
under Sir John Packenham. 

From the K. line of Lafayette Square, on the E. and W. 
extremities respectively, diverge Vermont and Connecticut 
avs. On the former, just beyond I st. W., the first trans- 
verse ^t, N., is Scott Square^ and in the oorre^wnding k)ca- 



36 SQUARES 

tion on Connecticut av. is Farragut Square^ each containing 
1| a. Both these squares have a paved roadway of 24 ft. 
width cut through them, running on a line with the avs. 
They are laid out in walks, with seats and drinldng fountains 
for pedestrians, and are in every way attractive popular re- 
sorts for the neighborhood. In the centre of Farragut Square 
is an ellipse, in which will be placed the Colossal Statue of Ad- 
miral Farragut^ for which $20,000 was voted by resolution of 
Congress April 16, 1872. 

At the intersection of Massachusetts and Khode Island avs. 
and IST and 16th sts. NW., less than ten minutes' walk on 
16th St., due N. of the President's House, is an unnamed 
square of about 1 a., which promises to be one of the most 
interesting in the city. This square has been selected as the 
site of the Colossal Bronze Equestrian Statue of Brevet Lieiv- 
tenant General Winfield Scott, ordered by Congress in 1867. 
The statue, which is finished, represents the General in full 
uniform, mounted on a war charger at rest. He holds the 
reins in the left hand and a pair of field glasses in the right, 
the latter resting against his hip, and with calm martial bear- 
ing surveys the field. The figure is 10 ft. from the stirrups 
to tlie chapeau and horse and rider 15 ft. The pose is one 
of grace, dignity, and firmness. The charger, with ears 
thrown up and nostrils dilated, every vein fiushed with life, 
stands ready to obey the commands of his rider. The design 
is by H. K. Brown, sculptor, New York, and was cast by 
Eobert Wood & Co., of Philadelphia, out of bronze cannon, 
trophies of the valor and skill of the General in the Mexican 
war, and donated by Congress. The statue weighs 12,000 
pounds, involved the labor of eight skillful artists nine 
months, and will cost $20,000. The statue is considered one 
of tlie finest of the kind ever made in the United States, and 
is not only creditable to the sculptor and the founders, but to 
American art. The pedestal will be 14 ft high, consisting of 
platform, sub-base, base, die, and cap, of Cape Ann granite, 
in five large blocks. Total height of the pedestal and statue 
29 ft. The platform is 26 ft. long, 13 ft. wide, and 2 ft. 
thick, and weighs 119 tons 1,197 lbs; sub-base, 20 ft. X 10 
ft. X 1 ft., 84^ tons; base, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 3 ft., 41 tons; 
die,15 ft. X 5 ft. X 5 ft., 38 tons; and cap, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 
3 ft., 37 tons 1,500 lbs. Total weight of pedestal, 320 tons 
697 tt)S. The entire pedestal, when quarried, weighed 400 
tons 621 ibs. These are the largest stones ever suc?7e«sfully 
quarried in this country, and among the largest, if not quite 
so, in the world. Great difllculty was experienced in tlieir 
removal to the seacoast, whence they were transported to 
the National Capital by sea. The site for this statue is ad- 



SQUARES. 37 

mirably chosen, the broad street and intersecting avenues 
affording a view of it from various parts of the city. 

Franklin Square, between 13th and 14th sts. W. and 
I and K sts. IS"., comprises 4 a., and was purchased by the 
Government in 1829 in order to secure control of a fine spi-ing, 
the waters of which, as early as 1832, were conveyed in pipes 
to the President's House and Executive ofiices. This water 
is still used for drinking jjurposes at the President's House, 
it being considered better than that from the Potomac. The 
spring lies IST. of the fountain, beneath two iron and stone 
covers, built in the arch constructed over the spring. It was 
not until 1851 that this square was laid out. In the centre is 
a small fountain, with a basin 30 ft. in diameter, and a keep- 
er's lodge, with other conveniences, near by. There are also 
several drinldng fountains. The square is planted with a 
pleasing variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. 

Judiciary Square, on the original plan of the city, was 
designated reservation No. 9, and was set apart for the then 
contemplated buildings for the accommodation of the judicial 
branch of the Government. It comprises 19| a., and ex- 
tends on the S. from the intersection of Louisiana and Indi- 
ana avs., at the head of 4^ st. W. to G st. N., and between 
4th and 5th sts. W. The S. portion, fronting on 4J st., is 
occupied by the City Hall. 

On the E. side, beyond E st., was erected the immense 
temporary wooden structure for the ball given in honor of 
the Second Inauguration of President Grant, March 4, 1873. 
In the NE . angle is the Jail. On the W. side, during the re- 
bellion, 1861-'65, wooden buildings were erected for soldiers' 
hospitals, afterwards donated to the uses of the Women's 
Christian Association, but since removed. This square is 
being made one of the most attractive in the city. 

Rawlins Square, on New York av., SW. of the Pres- 
ident's Grounds, between 18th and 19th sts. W., containing 
about \\ a., is beautifully laid out, with walks, trees, ever- 
greens, and shrubbery. It has two small rustic fountains, 
with ornamental margins and centre-pieces of rock- work. 
This square, prior to 1872, was a low, desolate waste. It was 
filled up to the grade, and covered with earth capable of sus- 
taining vegetable growth, and planted with trees and ever- 
gi-eens. The change has added a pleasing feature to a por- 
tion of the city in many respects natui-ally uninviting. In 
this sg^uare will be placed the Statue of General John A. 
Rawlins^ Adjutant General and Chief of Staff to General 
Grant, and later Secretary of War, and for which $10,000 
was voted by Congress in 1872. 

Mount Vernon Place, at the mtersection of Massachu- 



38 CIRCLES. 

setts and New York avs. and K and 8th sts. NW.^ till 1871, 
was occupied on the E. half by the Northern Market. It is 
now beautifully laid out and planted. In the centre is a 
raised circular space, containing a bronze fountain. 

A short distance S. of Pennsylvania av., on the E. side 
of 6th St. W., is what is known as Circus Lot; that part of 
the reservation in which it is embraced being set apart for 
that purpose. The rents are contributed to charitable insti- 
tutions. 

There are other spaces in the W. portions of the city, but 
are without name. Of these is the wedge-shaped space, of 
about 4 a., between 3d and 4^ sts. and Missouri and Maine 
avs., lying W. of the Botanical Garden; and adjoining it, 
on the W., another area of 17^ a., which extends to 7th st. 
The W. portion is known as Armory Square, from being the 
site of the District Armory. Also one of ^ a., N. of the 
Mall, at the intersection of Ohio and Louisiana avs. 

Lincoln Squabe lies 1 m. du-ectly E. of the central Por- 
tico of the Capitol, on E. Capitol st., and at the intersection 
of Massachusetts, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky 
avs. It comprises 6^ a., and is beautifully laid out in walks 
and planted with trees and shrubs. In the centre is a raised 
circular mound, on which it is proposed to erect a statue to 
the President from whom the square received its name. On 
either side is a small fountain. It was in this square, in the 
original embellishment of the Capital, that the Historic Col- 
umn was to be built ; to serve also as a Mile or Itinerary Col- 
umn, from which all geographical distances in the IJnlted 
States were to be calculated. There is an excellent distant 
view of the Capitol from here. 

Stanton Place lies NE. of the Capitol, at the intersec- 
tion of Maryland and Massachusetts avs., and comprises 3^ a. 

A short distance S. of the Capitol, at the convergence of 
New Jersey, South Carolina, and North Carolina avs., is a 
large tract, originally laid out as Reservation No. 17. It 
contains 23^ a., or, on the first maps, 21 a., and was set off 
as the site for the Town House or City Hall, but has never 
since been considered in that connection. It is still with- 
out improvement, though the subject has been called to the 
attention of Congress. 

There are other squares in the SE. parts of the city vacant 
and unimproved. Of these might be mentioned one of 3^ a., 
at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Carolina avs.; 
one of 2^ a., at the intersection of Pennsylvania and South 
Carolina avs.; and one of 1^ a., on North Carolina av., be- 
tween 2d and 3d sts. E. It is the purpose to extend to these 
spaces the improvements contemplated. 



ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 89 

Circles. — The spaces at the intersections of the more import- 
ant avenues form what are termed Circles, containing ^ acre 
or less. These constitute most beautiful features. 

Tlie Washington Circle,, on 23d st. W., at tlie intersection 
of Pennsylvania and New Hampshire avs., and passed on the 
way to Georgetown, contains the Colossal Equestrian Statue 
of General George Washington,! by Clark Mills, ordered by 
Congress in 1853, and for which $50,000 were appropriated. 
Tlie statue was cast out of guns donated by Congress, and 
represents Washington at the crisis of the Battle of Prince- 
ton, the horse shrinlving before the storm of shot and din of 
conflict, while the rider preserves that equanimity of bearing 
native to his great character. 

The Fourteentli-street Circle,, at the intersection of Massa- 
chusetts and Vermont avs., is chastely laid out in walks, and 
planted with a choice selection of evergreens, trees, plants, 
shrubs, and flowers. In tlie centre is a rustic fountain, with 
a Scotch terra-cotta foundation-bowl and rustic stone centre- 
piece, and in difierent parts of the circle are rustic stone and 
wooden seats. A short distance beyond, on Vermont av., 
at the intersection of Rhode Island av., is the Thirteenth- 
street Circle,, as jat without particular improvement. 

On P St., in the direction of Georgetown, and at the inter- 
section of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire 
avs., is the P-street Circle,, 380 ft. in diameter, and laid out 
in Avalks and lighted. It is designed to erect in this circle a 
fountain 50 ft. in diameter, with coping and centre-piece of 
handsome design in marble or granite. A fine selection of 
evergreens and trees will also be planted. Several fine 
residences face upon it. The residence of the British Lega- 
tion is in the vicinity. 

The terminus of Pennsylvania av., on the Anacostia, widens 
into a semi-circle of nearly 5 acres, as yet but little improved. 

Triangles. — At the intersection of the avenues and streets 
are small spaces, designated Triangular Reservations. Many 
of these E. and W. of the Capitol are planted with trees and 
shrubs, and are further beautified with small fountains. 

Birds. — A flock of imported sparrows was set at liberty in | 
the public grounds in 1871 for the destruction of insects, i 
During 1873, 425 cages, in addition to those previously put / 
up, were placed in the trees for the accommodation of their / 
increased numbers. These useful birds are fed regularly every i 
morning during the winter in Franklin, Lafayette, and other ' 
squares. 

Ornamental Gardening.— In 1851 A. J. Downing, the cele-~ 
brated landscape gardener, was employed by the Government 



] 



40 engineer's office. 

to lay out the public parks and reservations. The grounds 
of the President's House were to be extended to the line of 
the Washini^ton Canal, now B st. N., and to be laid out with 
a circular parade-ground, lined with trees in the centre. A 
carriageway, by means of a suspension bridge, was to con- 
nect the S. Park of those grounds with the Mall, near the 
Washington Monument. A drive was to follow the Mall to- 
the Capitol. The Mall itself was to h? beautifully adorned 
with lawns, walks, drives, trees, and shrubbery. Lafayette, 
Franklin, and the other squares were to be laid out by the 
same person. The admirable schemes of improvement con- 
templated by this truly artistic gardener were suddenly in- 
terrupted by his death in 1852. During the single year of 
his service he prepared a general plan for the laying out and 
beautifying of the public grounds. This, in a great measure, 
has been carried out by his successors. In the Smithsonian 
Grounds may be seen a beautiful Vase, erected by the Amer- 
ican Pomological Society to the memory of Downing. A 
description of this tribute to his genius will be found in its 
appropriate place. 

Previous to this the attempts at the appropriate laying out 
and i)lanting of the public parks were both cnide and spas- 
modic. In 1826, more than a quarter of a century after the 
Government had made the city its permanent seat, there 
were no public walks, save the dusty avenues. In 1831 the 
grounds around the Capitol and President's House were still 
in the unkempt condition of nature unadorned. In 1832 the 
old Treasury Building M-as enclosed. The next year the 
pedestal wall and railing were placed in front of the Park of 
the President's House, and the S. Park, near the mansion, was 
planted with trees. In 1834 the foot and carriageway were 
completed. In 1835 Lafayette Square was improved and 
planted, and supplied with lamps. In 1837 the W. Park of 
the Capitol Grounds was extended to take in part of the Mall 
from the circular road around the building to 1st st. W., mak- 
ing an addition of 8 a. The park was walled in and the grounds 
laid out in walks and supplied with fountains. In the same 
year the President's Gromids were in more creditable condi- 
tion. In the S. park, towards the then line of the canal, it was 
proposed to lay out an extensive tish-pond, to supply the Presi- 
dent's table with fish. The public grounds, an eyesore to 
the community and a reflection upon the tase and liberality 
of Congress, were again neglected. 

Engineer's Office. — It was not until 1871 that a course of 
systematic improvement was inaugui-ated by Major O. E. Bab- 
cock, Corps of Engineers U. S. Army, Engineer in charge 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 41 

Public Buildings and Grounds, under whose supervision are 
all squares, cii'cles, and triangles, the Propagating Garden, 
and the grounds of the President's House, Smithsonian In- 
stitution, and Washington Monument, and reservations not 
otherwise provided for. Tlie control of such other reserva- 
tions belongs to the department by which occupied, and the 
Capitol Grounds and Botanical Garden to Congress. Con- 
gress annually appropriates funds, to be expended under the 
Office of Engineer, for salaries of emploj^ees; the improve- 
ment and care of the public grounds not otlierwise specially 
assigned; repairs and refurnisliing the President's House, 
green-houses, and for fuel ; lighting the Capitol, President's 
House, and public grounds, purchase of new posts, repairs, 
and pay of lighters ; and construction and repairs of all bridges 
on the Potomac and Anacostia, and repairing and extension 
of Government water-pipes. The total appropriations for 
1873 were $829,042, of which $265,550 were for care of grounds, 
$369,536 for a new bridge across the Anacostia, and the bal- 
ance on all other accounts. 

Propagating Garden. — The Government Propagating Gar- 
den, oi-iginally on Missouri av., between 3d and 4} sts. W., 
is beautifully situated on the banks of the Potomac, S. of the 
Washington Monument. The garden covers 8 a. The ^/b?'c- 
ing houses are supplied with apparatus for the propagation 
and growth of plants of the rarest species and varieties. In 
1872!rfrom the old garden, upwards of 20,000 papers of flower 
seeds were collected and cured. These, with surplus plants, 
sometimes numbering upwards of 10,000, consisting of roses, 
chrysanthemums, verbenas, geraniums, begonias, and othew 
hot-liouse annuals and slu-ubs propagated at these gardens, 
were distributed to members of Congress, and others'notilied 
by circular letter that such stock was ready. A Niirsey-y is 
connected with the garden, in which trees and sln-ubs are 
gi-own for the supply of the public parks. 

Botanical Garden. — Open daily, 9 a. m. to 6 p. w. — This 
instructive place of public resort is situated at the foot of Capi- 
tol Hill, extending from 1st to 3d sts. AV., and between Penn- 
sylvania and Maryland avs. There are two main entrances for 
pedestrians, one opposite the main central W. gate of the Cap- 
itol Park and the other on 3d st., opposite the E. end of the 
Drive. Each entrance consists of four marble and brick gate 
piers, ^^ith iron gates. Xo wheeled vehicles are permitted in 
the garden. The avenues diverging from the W. Capitol Park 
give the garden a wedge-shape, the narrower end facing the 
W. front of the Capitol. It comprises 10 a., surrounded by 



42 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

a low, brick wall, with stone coping and iron railing, ahd is 
laid out in walks, lawns, and flower-beds. N. of the Main 
Conservatory is a large foimtain^ witli 9 main jets and a mar- 
ble basin 93 ft. in diameter. The fountain is supplied from 
the Acqueduct, and throws its highest stream to an altitude 
of 65 ft. This fountain in full play presents a beautiful ef- 
fect, especially when reflecting the rays of the sun. S. of 
the Conservatory is a smaller fountain, witli a granite basin. 
During the summer the hardiest plants, in boxes, are ranged 
on either side of tlie main walk, and contribute materially to 
the beauty of the garden. 

Tlie Mai7i Conservator)/, commenced in 1867 from designs 
by Mr. Clark, Architect of the Capitol, consists of a central 
dome and two wings. The base is of marble and the super- 
structure iron. The entire length is 300 ft., greatest width 
60 ft., height of dome 40 ft., and wings 25 ft. The dome is 
supported on a brick column, wliicli answers the double pur- 
pose of being a chimney also. Around this column winds an 
iron, spiral staircase, which leads to a cupola surroimded by 
a balustrade. From this point the finest view of the W. front 
of tlie Capitol may be obtained. The key is kept by the Su- 
perintendent. There are 10 smaller Conservatories, of brick 
and wood, in one of which is a Lecture or Botanical Class- 
room, with accommodations for 100 students. Tlie latter fea- 
ture contemplates the appointment of a Professor of Botany 
by the colleges of the capital to hold lectures here. All the 
conservatoi'ies are heated by hot water, conducted in iron 
pipes, supplied from 5 boilers. Three of the boilers are in the 
vaults under the pavement of the dome of the Main Conser- 
vatory. The object of the garden is education and the dis- 
tribution of rare plants. For the latter purpose there are 4 
conservatories devoted to propagation. All seeds are saved. 
The garden is under the control of the Joint Committee of 
Congress on the Library. Each member of Congress, on ap- 
plying to the chairman of the committee for plants or seeds, 
is supplied, if practicable. Boquets are frequently obtained 
in the same way. 

Botanical Collection.— The first collection of plants in 
this National Conservatory was brought to the United States 
by the Exploring Expedition to the^'Southern Hemisphere, 
1838-'42, commanded by Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes. The collection was first deposited in the Patent 
Ofiice, but in 1850 was removed to the Botanical Garden. 
Some of the plants are still living, and a large share of the 
present collection are the descendants of those brought back 
by the Wilkes Expedition. A few have furnished represent- 
atives for many of the principal conservatories of the United 
States and Europe. 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 43 

The disposition of the collection is according to a geograph- 
ical distribution. The strictly tropical plants occupy the cen- 
tre Conservatory, and those of a semi-tropical nature, requir- 
mg protection and lying towards the N. pole, are i>laced in 
the W. range and wing; and all indigenous to countries 
lying towards the S. pole are in the E. range and wing. 

The Centre Building or Rotunda., temperature 80°, contains 
a fine variety of the majestic palms, called by Martins the 
princes of vegetation, and of which there are 300 kinds, the 
most prominent being here represented. The most interest- 
ing in the collection is the palm tree of Scripture, familiarly 
known as the date palm. Jericho, the City of Palms, was 
so called from the numbers of this tree growing in its vicin- 
ity. It was recommended to be used by the Jews in the 
Feast of Tabernacles. In Arabia, Egypt, and Persia it sup- 
plies almost every w^ant of the inhabitants. The fruit is 
used for food, the leaves for shelter, the wood for fuel, and 
the sap for spu-ituous liquor. It matures in 10 years and 
then fruits for centiu-ies, bearing from 1 to 300 cwt. at a 
time. Among the Arabs the pollen dust is preserved from 
year to year, and at the season of impregnation of the pistils 
or female flowers a feast called "Marriage of the Palms" is 
held. It is a singular historical fact, that the date palm of 
Egypt bore no fruit in the year 1800, owing to the presence 
of the French army in the country, which prevented the an- 
nual marriage feast. 

Among the other plants in this portion of the Conservatory 
are the fan, royal, ratan, sago of Japan and China, Panama 
hat, oil, wine, coco de Chili, sugar, and cradle palms; the 
East India bamboo; the tree fern, from New Zealand; as- 
trapea, from Madagascar ; screw pine of Australia, with its 
cork-screw leaves and roots in mid air; the cinnamon of 
Ceylon ; maiden's hair fern ; mango, a delicious fruit of the 
West Indies; and banana, that most prolific of all plants; 
the great stag and elldiorn ferns from Australia, (very fine 
specimens,) and the dumb cane of South America. The sap 
of the root of the latter will take away the power of speech. 
Humboldt, during his explorations in South America, was 
eight days speechless from tasting it. The outer circle of 
the rotunda is devoted to the smaller tropical plants. 

The E. range., temperature 50°, and wing., 40°, are de- 
voted more particularly to the plants of the South Sea Islands, 
Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, Australia, and New Holland. 
The principal specimens are the tree fern of New Zealand ; 
the aloe and the Caffre bread tree from the Cape of Good 
Hope ; the India rubber, the passion flower, the caladium, of 
Brazil; Korfolk Island pine of Australia, one of the most 



44 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

beautiful and largest-growing trees in the world ; the queen 
plant, or bird of paradise flower, from its resemblance to the 
plume of that bird ; the tutui, or candle-nut tree, from the 
Society Islands, the nut being used by the natives for lighting 
their huts ; the coflee plant, and several varieties of cactus. 

To the W. range and wing, temperature same as E., the 
plants of China and Japan, the East and West Indies, and 
Mexico are assigned. The most notable plants here are the 
cycadacese, of the East Indies, the largest in the country; 
the four-century plant ; the camellia japonica, or Japan rose ; 
the lovelj^ lily of Cuba ; the historic papyrus antiquorum, or 
paper plant, of Egypt; the tallow and leechee trees of 
Cliina ; the guava, a delightful fruit of the West Indies ; the 
vanilla of Mexico, the species which furnishes the aromatic 
bean ; the black pepper from the East Indies ; the sugar cane, 
the clieramoyer, or custard apple, and cassava of the West 
Indies ; the sensitive and the humble plants ; the American 
aloe, or century plant, of Mexico ; the camphor tree from 
Japan ; the tea plant ; the papay, an Oriental tree, which has 
the property of rendering the toughest meat tender ; a plant 
of the ada7isonia digitata, or monkey bread, which grows on 
the banks of the Senegal, and reaches the enormous circum- 
ference of 100 ft. They are supposed to attain the age of 
5,000 years. They have many uses. Humboldt pronounces 
them the oldest organic monuments of our planet. There is 
also a specimen of the carob tree of Palestine, sometimes 
called St. John's bread. The pulp around the seed is sup- 
posed to have been the wild honey upon which St. John 
fed in the wilderness. There are other interesting speci- 
mens of the vegetable kingdom, including a pleasing variety 
of climbing plants. The arrangement of the exotics in the 
Central Conservatory presents the appearance of a miniature 
tropical forest, with its luxm-iant growth of tree and vine. 
Until recently the Conservatory was in possession of a speci- 
men of the bohan upas tree, of which such fabulous stories 
have been told. Each wing of the Conservatory is supplied 
with a fountain. In the W. range is a vase, brought from 
St. Augustine, Florida, and taken from the first house built 
on the ISTorth American continent within the present limits 
of the United States. A fine specimen of maiden's hair fern 
grows in the vase. 

The outside conservatories are generally used for propaga- 
tion. One, however, is specially devoted to camellia japo- 
nica, and another to that curious growth, the orchids or air 
plants. The botanical collection received some valuable con- 
tributions from the expedition of Commodore Perry to Japan. 
The supply is kept up by propagation and purchase, and at 



LIGHTING OF THE CITY. 45 

rare intervals by scientific or exploring expeditions of the 
United States. 

Superintendents of the Botanical Garden. — 1850-1852, W. 
D. Breckenridge ; 1852, William R. Smith. 

History. — Tlie design of the projectors of the city contem- 
plated the location of a botanical garden upon one of the 
extensive reservations which had been set apart for public 
purposes. In 1798 there was considerable discussion as to its 
location. A deputation waited upon the Commissioners of the 
city and m-ged the S. Park of the President's Grounds, but as 
the object was the enjoyment of the public, it was seen fit to 
establish it in its present desirable situation near the Capitol. 
The topography of the ground, however, was most uninvit- 
ing. The Tiber flowed across one end of it, and most of it 
was low and marshy, and exposed to the ebb and flow of the 
tides in the Potomac. There is a tradition that it was the 
early execution ground of the city, and that no less than five 
criminals were hanged there. In 1822 the Botanical Society 
of Washington was incorporated by Congress. Tiie society, 
prior to its incorporation, through the individual efforts of 
those interested in botanical researches and investigations in 
the District of Columbia, had prepared a full list of plants, 
and as early as 1817 had arranged them according to the Lin- 
nrean classification and the more fashionable arrangment of 
Jussieu. The grounds assigned to the society were the same 
now used by Congress for that purpose. Under the auspices 
of the society the marshy portions were dredged and con- 
verted into a small lake, into which the tide continued to ebb 
and flow. A few of the native trees were planted, consisting 
of fine oaks, buttonwoods. gums and persimmons. The 
only vestige remaining of these primitive efforts at a botan- 
ical garden are two post oaks. After the discontinuance of 
the society the garden was used as a deposit for rubbish. In 
1850 the representative management was assigned to the 
Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The first 
buildings were then erected, and the oflEice of Superintendent 
created. This post was first filled by W. D. Breckenridge, 
who had been horticulturist and botanist to the Wilkes Ex- 
pedition. A systematic course of improvement was inaugu- 
rated out of the annual appropriations by Congress, begin- 
ning with the filling of the entire grounds to a depth of 5 to 
6 ft. 

Lighting of the City.— The lighting of the city is entirely 
by private companies. The first of these was incorporated in 
1848. In that year Congi'ess made an appropriation of $2,000 



46 STATUES. 

for paying the Washington Gas Company for lighthig the 
Capitol and Capitol Grounds, to include fixtures ; for laying 
pipes from the main pipe at the Capitol to the foot of 15th st. 
W., on both sides of Pennsylvania av., and for 100 lamp- 
posts and lamps and other necessary fixtures. This was the 
first use of gas in the city. In the same year gas was also 
tii-st introduced into the President's House. It has since 
grown into general use. The Government provides for the 
lighting of all public buildings and grounds, and the District 
for avs. and sts. 

Statues. — The statues in the public parks contribute greatly 
to the adornment of the capital. The principal are GreeTi- 
ough'^s WasJmigtoru in marble, in the E. Park of the Capitol, 
and those of Jefferson^ E. of the President's House ; Jackson^ 
in Lafaj^ette Square; and Washington^ in Washington Circle, 
in bronze ; the Equestrian Statue of General Scott,, in bronze, 
to be placed on IGth st. W. ; a statue of Lincoln,, in marble, 
surmounting a small column of the same material, in front of 
the City Hall. A description of all statues will be foimd in 
connection with the grounds in which they are placed. Statues 
of Admiral Farragutund General Eatolings have been ordered 
by Congress. In 1792 Jefferson urged the commissioners of 
the city to employ one Cerachi, a-n Italian sculptor, to exe- 
cute the equestrian statue of Washington ordered by the Con- 
tinental Congress. The sum of 20,000 guineas was to be the 
cost, and Jett'erson suggested the sale of city lots to supply 
the funds. No action was taken. In 1794 the same sculptor 
was brought forward as the best person to design and execute 
the Monument to American Liberty proposed to be erected 
E. of the Capitol, in what is now Lincoln Square. This was 
also abandoned. 

Water Supply.— The water of the city is carried from the 
Great Falls of the Potomac, by the Aqueduct, a distance of 
12 m., to a Distributing Reservoir,, 2 m. from Rock Creek and 
4^ m. from the Capitol The daily supply is 30 million galls, 
and consumption 17 million galls.*, or 127 galls, to eacli pei^ 
son — the largest of any Qxiy in the world. The full capacity 
of the Aqueduct is 80 million galls. A description of this 
remarkable work will be found in another part of this HAND- 
BOOK. 

In the effluent screen well at the distributing reservoir are 
laid four 48-in. mouth-pieces for the supply of the city. Three 
of these are reduced in the pipe-vault to 36-in., 30-in., and 
12-in . Leaving the vault these three mains run parallel across 
the <iountry to a small stream known as Foundry Branch. 



WATER SUPPLY. 47 

Near this point they strike the road along the Chesapeake 
and Ohio Canal, which thej' follow through Bridge and Aqiie- 
dnet sts., Georgetown, to Kock Creek, a drstance of 2 m. On 
the way the 30 and 12-in. mains cross College Pond, over an 
arch of 120 ft. span, composed of two 30-in. pipes. The 36-in. 
main is laid in the bottom of the creek. At Rock Creek two 
of the three mains are joined, so that the water is conveyed 
tln-ough two 48-in. pipes, which form an arch of 200 ft. span 
across that stream. These arches also sustain a roadway for 
a horse railway and general trafKc between the cities of 
Washington and Georgetown. At the E. end of the bridge 
the three mains are resumed, and following Pennsylvania 
av. E., the 36-in main, laid by the District, enters L st. !N., 
following it to New Jersey av.; thence by that avenue, in a 
30-in. main, to Massachusetts av. and B st. N.; thence, in a 
20-in. main, to 11th st. E., where it terminates; the 30-in. 
main, laid by the United States from Rock Creek, leaves 
Pennsylvania av. at the Washington Circle, following K st., 
Massachusetts and New Jersey avs. to B st. N., and thence 
is continued in a 20-in. main through B st. N. to 11th st. E. 
A branch from this main supj^lies the Botanical Garden, 
Smithsonian and Arsenal Grounds. The 12-in. main, laid by 
the United States from Rock Creek, follows the line of Penn- 
sylvania av. and 8th st. E., thence to the Navy Yard wharf, 
on the way passing around the Capitol Grounds by A st. N. 
and 1st St. E. Distance. 4f m.; or 6f m. from the reservoir. 

These mains supply all the public buildings and fountains, 
besides the daily consumption of the city. The brancli pipes 
for the latter are laid at the expense of the District. By law 
the water-rates are regulated to cover the expense of laying 
new pipes and keeping old ones in repair, but cannot be a 
source of revenue. 

The total length of Distrihvting Pipes, Nov., 1873, was 
132.69 m., of which 16.89 were laid by the Washington Aque- 
duct, 10.41 m. by the late corporation of Georgetown, and 
105,3 m. by the City of Washington. The pipes are supplied 
with stop-valves and attachments. There are also upwards 
of 500 fire-plugs ; also drinking fountains, hydrants, taps, and 
water-services, water-meters, &c. 

A tax of I of 1 cent, per square foot is assessed upon all 
property which binds or touches upon any street in which a 
main water-pipe has been laid. There is also an annual tire- 
plug tax on all buildings situated within 500 ft. of any main 
pipe, the owners or occupants of which do not pay an annual 
water-rate or tax. The annual revenues are about $150,000. 

In founding the capital, it was proposed to utilize the 
springs within the city, and the Tiber, which entered from 



48 THE HARBOR. 

the N. The elevation of the source of the latter was 236| 
ft. above tide. Its water was to be carried to the Capitol. 
After also supj^lyifig the E . part of the city, the excess was 
to be conducted to the W. front of the Capitol, and form the 
proposed Cascade^ to have a fall of 20 ft. and width of 50 ft. 
into a reservoir below. Thence the water was to be distributed 
into fhree falls across the W. Park, the Botanical Garden, 
and the Mall. In 1832 one of the earliest efforts in this direc- 
tion was to convey the water of Smith's Spring, 2^ miles N". 
of the Capitol and 30 ft. above its base, in pipes to the reser- 
voir ill the E. Park, and from thence into the buildini^. The 
surplus was conducted under the building, and feeds the foun- 
tain in tlie W. I'errace. In 1836 Congress purchased this 
spring and 1 acre of land adjoining, and enclosed it. In 1837 
a scant supply was carried in pipes from the reservoir in the 
E. Park along tiie N. side of Pennsylvania av. to the Treas- 
ury Department, and subsequently to the General Post Office. 
In 1832 the spring in what is now Franklin Square supplied 
the President's House and "public offices." It does the same 
now, though the Aqueduct water has also been introduced. 
At tlie same time a new spring at K and 13tli sts. NVV. was 
opened, and carried a supply of GO gallons a minute to the 
vicinity of F and 13th sts. NW. Also pipes were laid from 
a spring on ^ew Jersey av., S. of the Capitol, and from an- 
other just W. of tlie iN'avy Yard, which supplied the SE. sec- 
tion of city near the Anacostia. Over half a century elapsed 
before the Aqueduct was built. 

Fountains. — In the public parks and squares are a number 
of fountains, some of which, though not elaborate in design, 
contribute greatly to the beauty oi the city. Tlie largest is 
m the Botanical Garden. Tiiere are also fine ones K. and 
E. of the President's House and I^. of the Treasury Depart- 
ment. The latter consists of an immense granite urn, in a 
basin of the same material, with side outlets formed of lions' 
heads. In Mount Vernon Place is another, with a bronze 
centre-piece. There are many of smaller dimensions. Tlie 
first public fountain was erected in 1810, by the corporation 
and voluntary subscription, and bore the inscription, "By 
the Mayoralty. Robert Brent, Esq." 

The Harbor.— In front of Washington the Potomac, re- 
leased from the hills above Georgetown, expands into a broad 
lake-like river. 

The Potomac River rises in the Alleghany Mountains, and 
after a course of 400 m. empties into the Chesapeake Bay. 
At its confluence with the bay it is 7J m. wide, and in front 



THE HARBOR. 49 

of Washington 1^ m., with 18 ft. of water. Tlie Anacostia 
at its moutli is nearly as wide as the main stream, and is 
fully as deei). Salt water reaches to within 50 m. of the city. 
The averaoe tide at the Navy Yard is 3 ft. 

The Harhoi of Washington consists of a channel extending 
from Greenlc'if's or Arsenal Point, the upper point at the 
junction of the Anacostia and Potomac, to the foot of 17th 
St. W., a distance of ^ m., and also a small channel in the 
Anacostia. 

The Potomac Channel has an average width of 400 ft. up 
to Maryland av. or Long Bridge, between the depths of 6 ft. 
at mean low water, and narrows to 250 ft. at the Arsenal 
wharf. The greatest depth to the lower wiiarves at 6th st. 
SW. is 11 ft., and to ^Maryland av. 8 ft. Above Long Bridge 
this channel gradually shoals, and is lost in the flats off 
17th St. 

The Anacostia Channel has an average width of 350 ft., 
between the depths of 6 ft. on either side, and narrows to 
250 ft. The greatest depth to the Navy Yard is 14 ft., and 
1 m. above is but 6 ft. 

The Harbor of Georgetown consists of a depression in the 
bed of the Potomac, lying between the town front on the left 
bank and a small portion of the right or Virginia bank and 
Analostan Island, near the same bank. This harbor has an 
average width of 800 ft., with an average de]:»th of 25 ft. at 
mean low water. The depth over the bar in tiie main chan- 
nel of the Potomac just below this harbor is but 10 ft. at 
mean low water. This depth has been increased to 15 ft. by 
dredging. 

The Main Channel., starting at the harbor of Georgetown, 
nms between Analostan Island andEasby's Point, the S. end 
of 27th St. W., along the bank of the river to the W. end of 
Long Bridge, and thence to Geisborough, or the lower point 
of the mouth of the Anacostia. Off this it joins the cliannel 
of the Anacostia and that from the Potomac front of Wash- 
ington. Here the three unite, and form the broad channel, 
which extends down the main river. The length of the main 
channel from the canal aqueduct at Georgetown to deep 
water at Geisborough Point is 4f m. The depth at mean 
high water at the shoalest place in the Potomac below Wash- 
ington is 22 ft. Between the main channel of the Potomac 
and the shore lying between 17th and 27th sts. W. lies an 
expansive marsh of about 1,000 a., known as the flats, and 
mostly covered with a rank growth of water-grass. One third 
is clear at low water, and the remainder is covered from 1 to 
4 ft. It is stated by the engineers who have made a survey 
4 



50 COMMERCE, 

that these deposits Increase yearly as the shores ahove are 
cleared of forest. 

Wharves. — The wharves of the city, along the banks of the 
Potomac, at the foot of 17th st., are used by wood and sand 
craft; and 7th st. W,, by steamboats and schooners. Those 
on the Anacostia, W. of the Navy-yard, are used for wood, 
lumber, coal, stone, sand, and other articles brought to the 
Washington market. The 17tli st. wharves are among 
the oldest, and were known as early as 1806 as Van Ness 
wharves, after General Van Ness, their owner. At this point 
also was the entrance to the old Washington Canal. The 
ruins of the Van Ness warehouse are still to be seen near by. 

Oanal. — For the convenience of the wood, coal, and sand- 
boats, and other small craft, James Creek, which enters the 
Anacostia immediately E. of the Arsenal, has been dredged 
to a depth of 8 ft. at low-water mark, and widened to 60 ft. 
as far as Virginia av. at its intersection with S. Capitol st. 
It is the design ultimately to abandon the present wharves at 
the foot of 17th st. W. The old Wasliington Canal, which 
connected the Anacostia at the foot of 2d st. E. with the Po- 
tomac at the foot of 17th st. W., commenced in 1791 and fin- 
ished in 1837, has been filled from 3d to 17th sts. W., and a 
covered sewer bniit in its place. 

Commerce. — In addition to its central location, consid- 
ered with reference to the bounds of the United States iu 
1790, the site for the Federal City on the Potomac River also 
had the advantage of easy water communication with the 
Chesapeake Bay and the Ocean. Its location was also fartlier 
inland than could have been secured on tide water on any 
other navigable stream on the Atlantic seaboard. In those 
early days such reconmiendations wei-e paramount. The pro- 
ject of improving the navigation of the Potomac and the con- 
struction of a canal to connect with the head-waters of tlie 
Ohio promised an increase of these facilities. Alexandria, 
7 m. below, already enjoyed a considerable commerce with 
the cities and towns on the Chesapeake, along the Atlantic 
coast, and the ports of foreign lands. Georgetown, just above, 
also had a local trade of some importance. The introduction 
of steam on the Potomac took place sliortly after its satisfac- 
tory application as a motive power in navigation. The Wash- 
ington, Alexandria, and Baltimore Steam-packet Company 
was succeeded l)y the Washington, Alexandria, and George- 
town Steam-packet Company, incorporated in 1829. The 
facilities of travel on the river and bay, and to points N. by 
sea, have at d ill' -rent times since been largely augmented. 



HARBOR IMPROVEMENT. 51 

Merchant vessels belonging to the customs district of George- 
town, which includes Washington — 1872, sail 78, 2,081 tons; 
steam 25, 5,084^ tons ; unrigged 309, 18,490J : total 412, 25,- 
656 tons. There is an extensive home trade on the Potomac 
River and Chesapeake Bay, and by Sea, with the cities on 
the Atlantic seaboard. Direct foreign trade, however, is 
small, all imported goods being received through other ports. 
In 1872 but one foreign vessel arrived. The dutiable imports 
amounted to but $1,804, and domestic exports $2,416. 

Harbor Improvement.— In 1872 a board of officers was ap- 
pointed, under an act of Congress, with a view to the im- 
provement of the channel of the river and the water fronts 
of Washington and Georgetown for commercial purposes, 
and the reclamation of the poisonous marsh opposite the city. 
The board reported three plans, that most favored proposing 
but one channel, of sufficient width and depth for all purposes , 
a direct continuation of the river at Georgetown, to run along 
the right bank of the river as far down as Gravelly Point, and 
thence directly toward Geisborough Point on the left bank, 
joining the deep channel of the river at that point, following 
nearl}^ the present main channel of the river, and affordhig a 
frontage of 7 m. The channel, 23 ft deep, would be of suffi- 
cient width to enable the largest vessels to move witli ease 
and free from danger of grounding, and also to dischai-ge the 
heaviest freshets. The great freshet of about 1852 swelled 
the river at the old Chain Bridge, just below the Little Falls, 
to a height of 43 feet above mean high water; at the Aque- 
duct Bridge, 10 ft. ; at the Arsenal, about 3f m. below, 4| ft.; 
and at Alexandria, about 3J m. still lower down, 2 J ft. 'i'he 
width of channel adopted for the Anacostia is 600 ft., with a 
depth of 23 ft. at mean low water at the Navy Yard B;-i l-xe. 
For the transshipment of coal from the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Canal, in front of Georgetown, it is proposed to erect suitable 
docks and piers^ to be continued bylines of bulkhead, includ- 
ing piers, the whole commencing at the IsTE. corner of Hi,:;h 
and Water sts., Georgetown, and extending along the entire 
Washington front on the Potomac and Anacostia to the outer 
end of the N. abutment of Anacostia Bridge. 

With these improvements Long Bridge would be recon- 
structed, with spans of not less than 200 ft., and a pivot-draw, 
with two openings of not less than 160 ft. clear in each, tlie 
bridge to be constructed for railroad and ordinary travel. The 
estimated cost of the whole work is $6,000,000 ; or less expen- 
sive materials, $4,000,000. Land reclaimed, 1023 a.; time to 
complete, 4 yrs. 



52 BRIDGES. 

It is proposed to remove the Naval Observatory, and use 
the earth for filling. 

Extension of the City.— Long Bridge, to the water front, to 
be designated Railroad Avenue, would be laid out in a road- 
way 201) ft. wide, with space for rail-tracks in the centre and 
a carriageway on either side. Tlie irregular space between 
Maryland av. continued to tlie water, Railroad av., and the 
bullchead, including streets, 44 a., witli 4 piers, to be re- 
served for railroad freight depots and workshops. The Mall 
would be extended W. to proposed Potomac av., would give 
an aggregate length of 2j\ m., and would form a magnifi- 
cent triple avenue, sweeping away in front of the W. fa- 
cade of tlie Capitol, by the side of whicli would tower the 
Wasliington Monument, and along which conld be erected 
statues and moniunents to the memory of the great men of 
the Republic. The general system of streets and avenues 
would be extended over the reclaimed ground outside of the 
Government reservations, 454 a., witli the exception of Rail- 
road av., now Long Bridge and Potomac av., 200 ft. wide, to 
run the entire length inside the bulkhead. The street, 100 ft. 
wide inside the buUvheads, on the Anacostia front, called by 
the name of tliat stream, would run from tlie Arsenal to the 
Navy-yard. 

Bridges. — There are no fine bridges across the Potomac or 
Anacostia connecting Washington with the opposite shore. 
At the beginning of the present century there were four 
bridges: one across the Potomac into Virginia, and three 
across the Anacostia ; all owned by private companies. There 
are now the Long Bridge across the Potomac, which is also 
used for a railway, and the Navy Yard and Benning's, or the 
Upper Bridge, across the Anacostia. The Baltimore and 
Potomac Railroad Bridge .also crosses the Anacostia above 
the Navy-yard. 

In 1809 a pile bridge, 1 m. long, with a di-aw on the E. and 
W. ends, was in use across the Potomac. The SW. end was 
destroyed in 1814, by order of the Government, during the 
presence of a foreign enemy. It was restored in 1816. In 
1832 the Government purchased it and built a new one, which 
was destroj^ed by ice in 1836. It was restored in 1838. In 
1850 it was proposed to build an iron or stone arched bridge, 
_^but after i^lans were submitted the matter dropped. The 
railroad portion of the present Potomac bridge was built in 
1872. The entire structure consists of a way for vehicles 
and pedestrians and for the track of the Washington and 
Alexandria Railroad. Near the Washington end is a small 
draw over the E . channel. From this point a causeway crosses 



1 



BRIDGES. 53 

the marshes of the river to the Vh-^hiia channel, which is sur- 
mounted by a wooden structiu-e, with a draw sufficient to ad- 
mit of the passage of tlie largest vessels. It was by this bridge 
that most of the vast armies of the United States marched into 
Virginia during tlie rebellion, 1861-'65. 
" In 1814 the bridges over the Anacostia were also burned 
by order of the Government. In 1819 the Navy Yard Bridge^ 
which crosses the Anacostia from the foot of lltli st. E. and 
terminates at Uniontown, or E. Washmgton, was built. It 
is a dilapidated wooden structure, witli a small draw. It is 
proposed to erect a new bridge, with stone abutments and 
iron superstructure. A short distance E. of this structure 
are yet visible some of the charred timbers of the old bridge 
jdestroyed at the time of the invasion. | Above is the bridge of 
the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad^ used only for railroad 
purposes. The bridges within the District are Benmng''s 
Bridge, a wooden structure ^ m. above the I^a\y Yard ; tlie 
Aqueduct Bridge of the Alexandria Canal at Geo'-getown, and 
*' Chain " Bridge at the Little Falls, 4 m. above The latter 
received its name from the original 5tru(jture, which was a 
chain-suspension bridge, built before 1811. The E. portion of 
the present bridge, was carried away by the freshet of 1870, 
thus sharing the fate of several previous structures. Here 
the river is compressed within a narrow channel, and in the 
rainy season rises upwards of 40 ft. In the winter great 
damage is also done by the immense ice gorge which forms 
here. In 1872 Congress appropriated $100,000 for the erec- 
tion of a suitable iron bridge. In the same year a contract 
was awarded, but nothing has since been done. All bridge 
across the Potomac, except the Aqueduct Bridge at Georges 
town, are now the property of the Government, and free to- 
the public. 

Communication between Washington and Georgetown 
across Rock Creek is maintained by three bridges. The 
Pennsylvania-av. Bridge is a fine iron structure, consisting of 
an arch of 200 feet, formed by two 48-in. pipes, used to con- 
vey the Aqueduct water into the city, and upon which rests 
the roadway. The M and P-st. Bridges are also superior 
Bpecimens of bridge architecture. The James Creek Canal, 
in the SE. parts of the city, is spanned by iron and stone 
bridges. In the county stone culverts are used over natural 
watercourses. 

In this part of the District there are 39 m. of improved roads. 
The old culverts, where showing signs of decay, are being re- 
placed by new structures of a similar character. In Union- 
town, on the S. bank of the Anacostia opposite the Navy-yard, 
on the road to the National Insane Asylum, is a very fine brick 
culvert, erected in 1873 by the Board of Public AVorks. 



54 TELEGRAPHS. 

Street Eailways. — Since 1862, when first incorporated, these 
popular modes of city conveyance have been greatly extended. 
Two lines cross the citj?^ E. to W. and two N. to S., and from 
Pennsylvania av. on 15th st., opposite the NE. angle of the 
Treasury N., to the Boundary on 14th st. W., and another 
from the same point to the E . Boundary. New enterprises of 
this character are laid out or in course of completion. There 
are 45 m. of st. railway in the two cities and District, estimated 
on the basis of a single track. [See General Information.^ 

Railroads, — The capital is accessible by railway from all 
parts of the United States. Previous to the establishment of 
railways, the Government patronized the opening of wagon- 
roads and canals to carry all trade centering at the District 
into the city. A through road of communication across the 
Alleghenies was fostered and carried to completion. In 1828 
Congress authorized the railroad company incorporated by 
the State of Maryland to build a road from Baltimore to Wash- 
ington, to enter the District and city ; Congress merely re- 
taining Jurisdiction of the soil. This was the first efibrt to 
establish railway communication with the National Capital. 
A lateral branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad into 
Washington was authorized in 1831. By 1841 there were 
two trains, daily, each way, between Washington and Balti- 
more — time, 2J hours. The incorporation of the Washing- 
ton and Alexandria in 1854, and the lateral branches of the 
Baltimore and Potomac in 1867, together with the extensions 
of the Baltimore and Ohio, have connected the National Cap- 
ital with the railroad systems of the E., N., W., and S. [See 
General Information.] 

Telegraphs.— In 1843 Congress appropriated $30,000, to be 
expended under the Secretary of the Treasury, for testing the 
capacity and usefulness of the system of electro-magnetic tele- 
graphs invented by Samuel F. B. Morse, of New York, for the 
use of the Government of the United States. In 1845 the line 
was completed between Washington and Baltimore. In 1846 
Congress ordered that the proceeds of the line be placed in 
the Treasury of the United States for the benefit of the Post 
Oflace Department, in the same manner as revenues from post- 
ages. From this beginning the present extensive system of 
telegraphic communication began. The various lines are now 
owned by private corporations. The telegraph is now the 
principal means of conveying intelligence respecting the op- 
erations of the Government to the people of the country 
through the newspapers. [See General Information.} 



SECTION III. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 




HISTORICAL RETROSPECT. 

I HE Legislative and Executive branches of the 
Government occupy buildings erected expressly 
for their accommodation. The co-ordinate, or Judi- 
cial branch, is yet without a structure of its own, 
though such provision for its accommodation w^as 
originally contemplated. The Capitol is devoted 
to the purposes of Congress, and affords limited facilities 
for the sessions and business of the Supreme Court of the 
United States and Comt of Claims. The Executive, with 
its various departments, occupies a number of buildings. 
The public edifices used for these purposes are not only 
attractive in architecture, but are immense in proportions, 
and practically without limit in durability. They are all 
built of the best qualities of granite, marble, or freestone, 
with interior finish of brick, iron, and glass. In comparison 
with the buildings of other Governments, used strictly for 
governmental purposes, they are without an equal, and more 
frequently without a rival. 

The buildings occupied by the executive offices are desig- 
nated according to the nature of the executive business trans- 
acted in them. For instance, the Treasury Department con- 
tains the various offices under the direction of the Secretary of 
the Treasury. Tliere is one exception, how^ever : the building 
occupied by the Department of the Interior, which is known 
as the Patent Office, it having been erected to serve for the 
display of models. The Patent Office proper is but a bureau 
of the Department of the Interior. 

The increase of the Government business and the inad- 
equate accommodations attbrded by the public buildings, 
commodious as they are, has necessitated, in a number of 
cases, the purchase or renting of private buildings in different 
parts of the city. 
The Department of Justice occupies the upper portion of 
55 



56 THE CAPITOL. 

the Freedmen's Bank building. Winder's buildirig, origi- 
nally erected for a hotel, now owned by the Government, is 
used by several of the bureaus of the War Department. A 
number of the bureaus of the other executive offices are 
similarly provided for. 

The tirst edifices built for the accommodation of the exec- 
utive offices were the War Office, 450 ft. SW., and the Treas- 
my, on a corresponding site SE. of the President's House; 
the former before and the latter after 1800. Both faced S. 
The War Office, now the Navy Department, was later trans- 
ferred to the new building on the N. In 1818 Congress au- 
thorized the erection of two new buildings N. of those then 
standing. These were completed during the administration 
of President Monroe. The four structures were then desig- 
nated according to their location with respect to the Presi- 
dent's House; that is, the NE., SE., NW., and SW. Execu- 
five Buildings — respectively State, Treasury, War, and Navy 
Departments. The site of the first two is now occupied by 
the Treasury Department. The War and Navy Departments 
are still standing, but will shortly be removed, to make room 
for the new State, War, and Navy Department now build- 
ing. The first building, designed by George Hadfield, Arclii- 
tect of the Capitol, formed the models for all. They were 
brick, originally 2 stories high, 120 to 160 ft. front, 60 ft. deep, 
and 16 ft. high, with a freestone basement and Ionic portico. 
They were subsequently raised and otherwise modified. It 
was originally intended to have a passage between them and 
the President's House, but this was abandoned. The SE. 
building, or Treasury Department, was destroyed by fire in 
March, 1833. It then occupied temporary quarters on Penn- 
sylvania av. In 1836 the erection of a new Treasury Depart- 
ment, more suitable in design and dimensions, was com- 
menced on the site of the old. Before the business of the 
Government became so great, all the offices were accom- 
modated in the four buildings. The Patent Bureau then oc- 
cupied rooms in the NE., the Attorney General's Office and 
Indian Bureau in the NW., and the General Land Office in 
the SE. Executive Buildings. 



THE CAPITOL. 

The Capitol of the United States (open every day, except 
Sunday) stands on the W. brow of the plateau Avhich forms 
the E. portion of tlie city. It may be reached from the more 
populous sections by street cars. Pennsylvania av., fi-om 



APPROACHES. 57 

Greorgetown, leads to one of the gates at the foot of the hill, 
below the W. entrance. From the President's House, by 
Pennsylvania av., the distance to the Capitol is 1^ m., and 
the same from the most remote of the principal hotels. The 
street cars pass in front of or close by all the hotels. 

Street Oars.— The Pennsylvania-av. (marked ''Capitol*') 
Street Cars^ from the W., pass around the Capitol on the S., 
and by a branch track fi"om S. B St., carry visitors to the 
SE. angle of the S. Extension, occupied by the House of 
Representatives. Strangers should be careful to take a car 
for the Capitol. Those marked "Navy Yard" run within a 
short distance of the same point. Those of the same line for 
the Baltimore and Ohio RR. Depot would leave them on the 
N. line of the grounds, and some distance from the building. 
The Metropolitan^ or F-st Cars, by a branch track, land pas- 
sengers on the plateau at the NE. angle of the JST. or Senate 
Extension. Strangers should be careful to take a car for the 
Capitol. The same line of cars to the E . parts of tlie city on 
E. Capitol St. also pass near the same point. 

Site. — The Capitol occupies very nearly the centre of the plot 
of the city, there being 25 sts. E., 27 sts. W., 22 sts. N., and 21 
sts. S. On a straiglit line, however, drawn fi-om ISTW. to SE., 
it stands about ^ m. towards the latter point. The great white 
Dome which sm-mounts the mighty pile, rishig high in tlie 
air, is visible for miles around — indeed from every elevated 
point in the District. From it, as far as the eye can reach, 
may be seen rolling hills, broad valleys, and rivers. Tlie E. 
facade of the building looks out upon the expansive plain of 
Capitol Hill, with a background of beautiful elevations, 
those on the riglit being beyond tlie Anacostia; the N. 
across a broad intervening valley to the wooded encircling 
hills of the city; the S. down upon the low grounds and 
sparsely settled portions of the city, with the broad Potomac 
and Aiiacostia mingling their waters in the distance ; the W. 
overlooks the business and official quarters, the lawns and 
groves of the Botanical Garden, the MaD, and the President's 
Grounds, and the wooded summit of University Square, with 
the shining domes of the Observatory and Georgetown Heights 
beyond. 

Approaches. — Broad avs. and sts., 11 in number, from 130 
to 160 ft. wide, radiate from the Capitol and constitute its ap- 
proaches as follows : E. front — to the NE. Maryland av., to 
the SE. Pennsj'lvania av., and to the E. E. Capitol st.; W. 
front— to the NW. Pennsylvania av., to the SW. Maryland 
av., and to the W. lie the Botanical Garden and Mali; N. 



58 



THE GROUNDS. 



fi'ont — ISTE. Delaware av., XW. New Jersey av., to the N", 
N. Capitol St.; S. front— to the SE. New Jersey av., to the 
SW. Delaware av., and to the S. S. Capitol st. 

The Grounds — The grounds surrounding the Capitol are 
designated as the E. and W. Parks. They comprise 52 a., 
extending E. and W. from 1st st. E. to 1st st. W., and N. ; 
and S. from B st. IST. to B st. S. A circular road from the 
W. side winds around the edifice on the IST. and S. to the E. 
front. 

In order to properly appreciate the exterior beauty and : 
magnitude of tlie structure, it would be well, before entering, 
to pass a short time in the parks which surround it. From the 
E. plain of the E. Park the E. fapade appears to best advan- 
tage. The massive porticos, with their broad steps and solid 
blockings, the great Dome, towering in dizzy altitude high 
above, and the extended front of columns, pilasters, entabla- 
ture, with architrave, frieze, and cornice, pediment and bal- 
ustrade, form a vast and impressive combination of architec- 
tural symmetry and design. 




THE CAPITOL — EAST FEONT. 



The E. Park itself is unostentatiously laid out in walks, 
shaded by venerable trees. A small reservoir^ of 111,241 
galls, capacity, surrounded by an iron railing, receives the 
water of Smith's Spring, brought a distance of 1^ m., before 
It enters the Capitol, and passes out througlilhe marble foun- 



THE GROUNDS. 59 

tain on the W. terrace. To afford a finer prospect for the 
main fa9ade, it is proposed to slope the E. Park to the p-ade 
of 1st St. E., which is 8 ft. below. E. Capitol st. will be 
opened through the park to the plateau in front of the E. fa- 
pade of the Capitol. The present dense foliage of the park 
will be lightened by removing the trees to other parts of the 
grounds. The E. Park will then be divided into beautiful 
lawns, with shrubbery and parterres, with fountains and in- 
terlacing walks. [See Description of the Building^ E. Fagade.] 
In the E. Park is the Colossal Statue of George Washington^ 
by Horatio Greenough, of Massachusetts, ordered by Congress 
hi 1832 for the Rotunda of the Capitol. It stands in the E. 
part of t lie park, opposite to and facing the central Portico of 
the Capitol. It is of heroic size, and if erect would be 12 ft. 
The right hand points to heaven, and the left, advanced, 
holds a short sword, the handle turned away. Over the right 
arm and lower parts of the body falls a mantle. The seat 
upon which the figure rests is ornamented with acanthus 
leaves and garlands of flowers. The carving in the back ad- 
mits of a view of the back of the statue. A small figure of 
Columbus rests against the left arm of the seat, and a corre- 
sponding one of an Indian against the right. In basso relievo 
on the right of the seat is represented Phaeton in his car, drawn 
by fleet steeds, allegorically, the rising sun, and the crest of 
the Arms of the United States. On the left are represented 
N. and S. America, as the infant Hercules strangling the ser- 
pent, and Iphiclus on the ground shrinking from the contest. 
The back of the seat bears the inscription, '•'' Simulacrum istud 
ad magnum Libertatis exemplum uec sine ipsa duraturum. Ho- 
KATius Greenough, Faciehat.^'' (This statue is for a great 
example of Liberty, nor without Liberty will the example 
endure. Horatio Greenough, ASa/ij9^or.) T\\q pedestal is 
12 ft. high, and of solid blocks of granite. The inscriptions 
are : S. face, '^ First in Peace;" N., "First in War;" W., 
facing the Capitol, "First in the hearts of his Countrymen." 
A better eflect for the statue, and particularly softening its 
necessarily coarse lines, would be secured by elevating the 
pedestal to a height of at least 25 ft. The statue was 'made 
in Florence, consumed 8 years in completion, weighs about 
12 tons, and cost, including work, freight, removals, and 
attendant expenses, $44,000; of this, $5,000 was for remov- 
ing it from the Navy-yard to the Rotunda, a distance of about 
1 m. In May, 1840, a fi-igate under command of Commo- 
modore Hull, by order of Congress, was sent out to bring it 
to the United States, but the hatches of the vessel being in- 
sufficient to admit its passage into the hold, the ship "Sea,'* 



60 THE GROUNDS. 

a merchantman, was chartered and altered to accommodate 
the unwieldy mass. 

In the spring of 1841 it arrived at the Navy-yard, and was 
immediately transferred to the Capitol. The main door had 
to be cut away to admit it, and its great weight necessitated 
the construction of a pier of solid masonry to strengthen the 
pavement of the Eotunda. Here the figure was entirely out 
of proportion, and on the plea of bad light, suggested by the 
sculptor, in 1842 it was removed to its present site. Here 
for many years it stood beneath an unsightly shelter of pine 
boards. Edward Everett pronounced the statue one of the 
finest works of art of ancient or modern times, and paid a 
high tribute to the conception and the work, as "represent- 
ing Washington in the aggregate of his qualities." A foreign 
writer truly says : "It is a sort of domestic Jupiter. The sub- 
lime repose and sunplicity of the whole figure, united as it is 
with exceeding energy of expression, is perfectly classical, 
without the sliglitest abstract imitation, so that there is no 
mistaking the pure lineage of this statue. He has addressed 
his statue of Washington to a distant posterity, and made it 
rather a poetical abstract of his whole career, than a chroni- 
cler of any one deed or any one leading feature of his life." 
The sculptor himself says: "It is the birth of my thought. I 
have sacrificed to it the flower of my days and the freshness 
of my strength ; its every lineament has been moistened with 
the sweat of my toil and the tears of my exile. I would not 
barter away its association with my name for the proudest 
fortune avarice ever dreamed of. In giving it up to the na- 
tion that has done me the honor to order it at my hands, I 
respectfully claim for it that protection which it is the boast 
of civilization to afford to art, and which a generous enemy 
has more than once been seen to extend even to the monu- 
ments of its own defeat." At other hands this statue has 
fared less generously. It has been criticised and ridiculed to 
an extent far beyond that bestowed upon any other work of 
art at the capital. Francis Colburn Adams, in his Essay on 
Art in the District of Columbia, characterizes it as a contra- 
diction, observing that Mr. Greenough was a man of genius, 
capable of doing something really good, but his mind ran to 
exaggeration ; that in this instance he departed from the or- 
dinary rules of art, and set out to indulge his fancy and give 
to the world a statue of Washington such as it had never seen 
before, a Washington so different from the accepted ideal of 
the people, and so at variance with what they conceived to be 
correct taste, as to bring down upon it, in his opinion, very 
general condemnation. 

A short walk by the terraced drives on the N. and S. of the 



THE GROUNDS. 61 

building, on the way having an opportunity to examine the 
two end facades, (see Desaiption,) brings the visitor to the W, 
Park, by which the Capitol is readied from tlie official and 
business parts of the city. This park is laid out in paved and 
graveled walks, fountains, and parterres, with overshadow- 
ing trees, many of which are as old as the Capitol itself. 
From its W. limit, opposite the centre of which is the Botani- 
cal Garden, it gradually ascends till it reaches the foot of a 
broad tiight of steps, leading to the top of the^r*-^ terrace, on 
which is a graveled road around the two wings of the building 
to the E. Park. Directly in front is an oval reservoir or ba- 
sin of 78,827 galls, capacity, supplied from the E. reservoir, 
and a simple marble fountain near by, erected in 1834, stand- 
mg beneath the central arch of the vaulted passage leading 
under the upper terrace into the sub-basement of the editice. 
In 1814, in the centre of this basin stood the Naval Monu- 
ment, executed in Italy, and dedicated to the memory of the 
officers who fell during the siege of Tripoli in 1804. This 
monument is now in the grounds of the United States Naval 
Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. A double flight of steps 
lead to the top of the second terrace. 

Seated originally on the declivitj^ of a hill, the W. fafade 
of the Capitol presented a story below the general level of 
that on the E. In order to remedy this defect, and at the 
same time to provide accommodations for fuel, a semi-cir- 
cular range of casemates was constructed, opening towards 
the main building, and with the convex side facing the W. 
These were covered with earth and sodded, so as to form a 
beautiful green glacis. With the addition of the two wings 
of tlie building, the terrace was also extended so a.f to em- 
brace the entire length of the W. front. The tciTd-plein is 
paved with well-dressed Seneca stone, strengthened by an 
outer casing of granite. This change of the natural config- 
uration of the slope of tlie hill, giving a uniform level to all 
sides, greatly enhances the beauty of the vast editice which 
rises upon its summit. In 1828, to accommodate the building 
to this improvement, the entrance door on the W. front was 
cut througii, and is reached by a broad platform of stone, 
erected over the space between the inner side of the case- 
mated terrace and the building. 

The configuration of the immediate eminence upon which 
the Capitol stands has been materially changed and beauti- 
fied by the hand of art. The original slopes have been mod- 
ified by cutting and filling, so as to bring them, by terraces, 
slopes, and drives, falling in pleasing descents, to the level 
of the divergent avenues. The iron railing, in 1873, was 
removed to give place to an enlarged line of enclosm-e, em- 



62 GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

bracin<? the acquisitions of additional ground. Outside of 
tliis runs a paved footwallc, with heavy granite curbing, with 
handsome lamp-posts, on the line of the thoroughfare. The 
boundary" streets are also paved and lighted. 

G-eneral Description.— The Capitol of the United States, 
as now completed, is unquestionably the finest and largest 
building of the kind on the face of the earth, and does credit 
to the skill of the architects and the taste of the nation. 
In durability of structure and costliness of material it is also 
superior to any other. The great edilices of the Old World 
are accimiulations of a number of centuries. The Capitol 
of the United States is the stupendous work of less than 
a single century. The elevated seat, formed by nature and 
art, upon which the Capitol stands, is 89J ft. above ordinary 
low tide in the Potomac, 1 mile distant, and is admirably 
adapted to the display of its vast proportions and architecture. 
The entire length of the building is 751 ft., and the greatest 
depth, the breadth of the wings, 324 ft., including the porticos 
and steps. The ground-plan covers about 3 J acres. The struc- 
ture in detail consists of a main building and two extensions,^ 
with connecting corridors. The main or central building is 
352 ft. in length, and, exclusive of the W. projection, 121^ 
ft. deep, with an E. central colonnaded portico IGO ft. wide, 
consisting of rows of monolithic Corinthian columns, 24 in 
number and 30 ft. high, exclusive of pedestals. The portico 
is elevated on a rustic basement, surmounted by an enriched 
entablature and pediment, the latter 80 ft. broad. Over this 
rises an attic stoiy, surmounted by the Dome^ 135 ft. in diam- 
eter. In the rear and on either side of this main portico the 
edifice rests on a basement to cori-espond with that of the 
portico. Above tliis rises the order, two stories in height, 
with pilasters, an entablature, frieze, and surmounting bal- 
ustrade, carried out in the same architectural design. It is 
proposed, at some future day, to take down this portico, and 
extend the front of the central building E., to bring it at 
least on a line with the E. front of the two extensions, so as 
to perfect the architectural group. Between tlie original 
building and each of the extensions, which lie at the X. and 
S. ends of the building, is a connecting corridor of 44 ft. in 
length and 56 ft. depth, with four fluted columns on either 
front. Each extension has a front of 143 ft. facing the E. 
and W., and depth of 239 ft. along the N. and S.'fapades. 
The latter is exclusive of the porticos and steps on the E., 
which correspond with the main building. 

The fa9ades of each extension are embellished with porti- 
cos on three sides, those on the E. consisting of 22 fluted 



THE DOME. 63 

monolithic column?, in two rows, K. and S., and 10 on the 
W. ends, the columns facing tlie N. and S. respectively, con- 
stituting the N. and S. fronts of tlie building. The porticos 
of tlie N. and S. fa9ades are 124 ft. front. 

The W. front of the main building presents a central pro- 
jection of 83 ft. by 160 ft. front, with a recessed colonnade 
100 ft. in extent, consisting of 10 coupled columns, elevated 
on a rustic basement, as the E. front, and rising, with its en- 
tablature and balustrade, to the roof, surmounted by a pan- 
eled screen or attic. The rest of the W. front is tjie same 
as the E. There are no steps on the W. front of the main 
building, it being entered from the upper terrace. The exten- 
sions stand on a foundation of granite, raised about 4 ft. on 
all sides ; the basement or ground floor is reached by granite 
steps. On the E. fapade are three broad flights of steps, 
which lead to the commencement of the order. Beneath the 
basement is a sub-basement, visible only and accessible on 
the outside from the casemated terrace on the W. 

The material employed in the central building first erected 
is freestone, from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek, 
about 40 m. below the city, purchased by the Commissioners 
in 1791. This is painted, in order to conform in general ap- 
pearance with the wings, which are built of white marble, 
from Lee, Massachusetts. The marble columns of the exten- 
sions are from the quarries at Cockeysville, Maryland, about 
20 m. N". of Baltimore. 

The appropriations made by Congress from 1800 to date 
for the erection, repair, and preservation of the Capitol 
amount to $13,000,000. 

The Dome. — Out of the centre of the main building rises 
the preat Dome of the Capitol., designed by Walter, and which 
replaced a smaller one removed in 1856. It is of the follow- 
ing dimensions : 

Exterior Height — above the base line of the E. facade of the 
Capitol to the top of the lantern, 288 ft.; above the W. gate 
of the park, 360 ft.; above the balustrade of the building, 218 
ft.; statue of Freedom on the apex, 19 J ft. Total height from 
base line to crest of statue of Freedom., 307^ ft. Total height 
above low tide in the Potomac, 397 ft. Diameter, 135^ ft. 

The Dome rests on an octagonal base or stylohate^ 93 ft. 
above the basement floor, and as it leaves the top line of the 
building consists of 2i peristyle., 124 ft. in diameter, of 36 iron 
fluted columns, 27 ft. high, and weighing 6 tons each. Above 
this is a balustrade. From the entablature of the peristyle 
to the attic is 44 ft. Above the balustrade begins the domi- 
cal covering. The apex is surmounted by a lantei-n, 15 ft. in 



64 



THE DOME. 



diameter and 50 ft. high, surrounded bj'^ a peristyle, and 
crowned by the bronze Statue of Freedom. Just below the 
lantern is a balustrade around the crowning platform. The 
outer domical shell is pierced with glazed openings for the 
admission of light. In the lantern is a reflecting lamp^ lighted 
by electricity, and used only when either or both Houses of 
Congress are sitting at night. This light is visible from all 
parts of the citj''. 
The Statue of Freedom^ by Ci-awford, 1865, wliich sur- 
mounts the lantern of the Dome, rep- 
resents the figure of a female, the r. 
hand resting on the hilt of a sheathed 
sword; the 1. on a shield, and holding 
a wreath. The crest of the helmet con- 
sists of an eagle's beak, embellished 
with plumes of feathers. This head- 
gear was not the conception of the 
artist, but an after-suggestion. The 
original model represented a simple 
head-band, encircled with stars. The 
drapery of the figure is both chaste and 
strilving. Over an inner garb is a fur- 
red robe, tastefully adjusted over the 
1. shoulder and falling over the 1. arm ; 
at the waist it is gathered in loose folds, 
and held by a brooch, bearing the let-- 
ters U. S. The attitude of the statue 
exhibits in a stwiking degree the beauty 
of feminine grace with decision. The 
statue is 19^ ft. high, and the weight of 
bronze 14,985 lbs., or 6 tons (2,2-10 lbs.) 
and 1,545 lbs. It was cast at Glark 
Mills' foundry at Bladensburg, 5 m. 
NE. of Washington, and cost $23,796. The statue stands on 
a bronze capping for the Dome, representing it globe, "with 
an encircling zone, upon which are the v\^ords "ii/ Plvribus 
Unum.^^ The weight of iron used in the Dome is 8,009,200 
lbs., or 3,575 tons (2,340) 1,200 lbs. The Dome stands upon 
a substruction of masonry, which forms the fou'idalion cf the 
outside walls, and also upon 40 interior columns, v/hich sup- 
port heavy arches, upon which rests the pavement of the 
Rotunda. The casting and erecting of the iron i^ork of the 
immense structure was done by Janes, Beeba & Co., New 
York. There are two smaller domes and a number of lan- 
terns and skjdights. The roofot the entire building is cov- 
ered with copper. 




STATUE OF FREEDOM. 



PORTICOS. 65 

The following are the dimensions of the three greatest 
domes of Europe : 

St. Peter's, Rome, from the pavement to the base of the 
lantern, 405 ft. ; to the top of the cross outside, 458 ft.; ex- 
terior diameter of the cupola, 195^ ft. ; interior, 139 ft. St. 
Paul's, London, England, to the top of the cross, 404 ft. ; 
diameter, 112 ft. Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France, over 
tlie Tomb of Napoleon, 328 ft. 

It will be seen that the Dome of the Capitol of the United 
United States ranks fifth in height and fourth in diameter. 
The dome of the Cathedral of St.'isaac, at St. Petersburg, the 
ISrationrJ Church of Russia, is 363 ft. in height, and is also a 
magnificent structure, built of iron and bronze. 

Porticos, — The E. fapade of the Capitol is broken by three 
grand porticos, reached by broad flights of steps, and from 
which open the three principal doorways. Beneath eacli of 
these porticos are massive vaulted carriageways to the base- 
ment entrances, the centre one of which opens into the Crypt. 
The main Portico^ IGO ft. in length, consists of 24 monolithic 
colunnis, 30 ft. high. On the tympanum of the pediment is 
an allegorical group in alto relievo^ by Persico, an Italian, 
representing the Genius of America. The principal figure, 
representing America, is of semi-colossal size, and standing 
on a broad unadorned plinth, holding in her hand a poised 
shield, with U. S. A. emblazoned in the centre of a ray of 
glorj^. The shield, Avhich is oval, represents an ornamented 
altar, in the centre of which is a wreath of oalv leaves, in basso 
relievo^ encircling July 4, 1776. In the rear of the figure rests 
a broad spear, and at her feet an eagle, with partly-spread 
wings. The head of the figiu^e is crowned with a star, and 
inclines towards the figure of '* Hope," who is addressing her. 
Tlie right arm of "Hope" is raised, and the left rests on the 
stock of an anchor, the hand grasping part of the drapery. 
The Genius of America, in reply to Hope, who is recounting 
the glory of the nation, points to the figure on the other side, 
which i-epresents Justice, with eyes uplifted, and holding in 
the right hand a partly-unrolled scroll, on wiiich is inscribed 
" Constitution of the United States," and in the left the scales. 
Justice has neither bandage nor sword, representing that 
American justice judges intelligently. The emblematic char- 
acter of the group suggests that, however Hope may flatter, 
all prosperity should be founded in public riglit and the pres- 
ervation of the Constitution. Tlie execution of the worlv is 
excellent, but cannot be entirely appreciated from its raised 
position. All the figures are cut in sandstone, and 7J ft. in 
height. The sculptor at first contemplated giving more 
5 



66 PORTICOS. 

nudity to the group, but being persnacled that it was con- 
trary to the sentiment of tlie people of the United States, went 
to the other extreme. The ascent to this portico is b}^ an im- 
posing flight of freestone steps, flanlved on either side bj^ mas- 
sive iDuttresses. On the S. buttress stands a semi-eolossal 
gi-oup of statuary by Persico, an Italian, 184G, representing 
the Discovery of America^ in a figure of Columbus, holding 
aloft a small globe, on the top of which is inscribed America. 
At his side crouches an astonished and aAve-stricken Indian 
maiden. The group consumed 5 years in execution, and 
cost 824,000. It is said that the armor is true to a rivet, hav- 
ing been copied from a suit in the palace of the descendants 
of the discoverer at Genoa. The corresponding group on 
the N. buttress, by Greenough, 1842, represents the First Set- 
tlement of America^ consisting of five figures : a hunter i-escu- 
ing a woman and child from the murderous Indian, while by 
the side is a faithful dog. The work consumed about 12 
years in execution, and cost $24,000, It is of Ssrvazza mar- 
i)le. Persico was first designated to mals:e this group. In the 
niches on the r. and 1. of the great Bronze Door, opening into 
the Rotunda, are the colossal statues of Peace and War, both 
])y Persico, 1832. Peace is represented by the Goddess Ceres, 
a gentle maiden, with loose flowing i-obes and sandals. In 
lier r. hand she bears fruit, and her 1. an olive branch. War 
is represented by Mars, a stern warrior, attired in Roman 
toga, belt, and tunic, with helmet and sandals. The tunic 
!)sars the symbols of his victims. The statues are of tlie 
finest quality of Cararra marble, each 9 ft. in height, were 
5 years in execution, and cost $12,000 apiece. Both are fine 
specimens of art. Over the Bronze Door is a basso relievo by 
Capellano, 1827, representing Fame and Peace in the act of 
placing a laurel wreath upon the brow of Washington. In 
panels on either side are bundles of radiating arrows, with 
surroundings of leaves. 

The E. Portico of the North or Seiiate Extension is reached 
by a broad flight of 46 marble steps, broken by 4 landings, 
and flanked by massive cheek-blocks, carrying out the design 
oi the central Portico. This portico measures 143 ft., and is 
jtdorned by a doul)le row of monolithic Corintliian colnmns, 
23 in all, 30 ft. high, exclusive of base, and is surmounted 
by a pediment of 72 ft. span. The group of figiu-es on the 
Tympanum, by Thomas Crawford, symbolizes the Progress 
of Civilization in the United States. Tlie centre figure repre- 
sents America, with the rising sun in the background. On 
Ir-r r. are figures of War and Comni'M'c:\ Youth and Educa- 
tion, Mechanics and Agriculture. On lier 1. the Pioneer, the 
Hunter, and the Aboriginal Race. Tiie latter is represented 



MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 



67 



by an ludlaii and squaw, with an infant in her arms, seated 
by a filled grave, typical of the decadence of the red race. 
This iironp, ordered in 1862, was cat by Italians, out of Amer- 
ican marble from Massachusetts, and cost $45,950, 

The E. Portico of the South or ^'- House'''' Extension^ in archi- 
tectural design, dimensions, and material, is the same as 
that of the N. Extension. The portico is without statuary 
or sculptured embellishment; yet, with its beautiful marble 
colunnis supporting the entablature and surmounting pedi- 
ment, it is grand in its nude proportions. 

The W. fn?ade, the central projection and extensions, and 
the N". and S. faces of tlie building, are decorated with col- 
onnades, of beautiful }^;roportions, and surmounted by balus- 
trades, all in harmony v^ith the porticos on the E. 

Main Bronze Door, — The great Bronze Door, designed and 
modeled in Eome, in 1858, by 
Randolph Rogers, and cast in 
bronze in Mmnch in 1860 by F. 
V. Miller, fills the main door- 
way, from the grand Portico 
into the Rotiuida. The leaves 
or valves of the door, which is 
double, stand in a superblj^ en- 
riched casing, al^^o of bronze, 
and, opened, fold back into suit- 
ably litted jambs. The entire 
height is 19 ft; width, 9 ft.; 
weighs 20,000 lbs, and cost $28,- 
000. Each leaf is divided into 
8 panels, in addition to the 
ti-ansom-panel nnder the arch. 
Each of these contains a com- 
plete scene, in alto relievo. The 
back of the door is finished with 
a simple star in the centre of 
each panel, corresponding with 
the front. A plain molding re- 
lieves the blank space of eaciu 
In every respect the great 
Bronze Door is a credit to the 
magnificence and magnitude of 
the edifice in which it holds so 
. ..• „„^,-,^ r.^„ conspicuous a part. The statu- 

MAIX BRONZE DOOR. , ^ >- ^ -i. i - 

(See pages OS, CO.) cttcs aiid rclicvos ai'c wrought 

m the highest style of ai't. In 1862, contrary to the views' of 
Mr, Walter, the Architect of the Capitol, the door was placed 




C8 MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 

ill the doorway leafliiig from the old Hall of Eepresentatives, 
now the Hall of Statnaiy, into the corridor leading? to tlie New 
Hall. In 1S71 it was removed to its present position, and 
properly constitutes the main door to tlie edifice. In event 
of the extension of the portico, so as to brin^- it in harmony 
with the wings of the building, the Bronze Door, it is suggest- 
ed by the architect, should form the inner or vestibule door, 
where the architecture will be consistent with its form and in 
harmony with its design. 

The events portrayed on the door constitute the principal 
events in the Life of Columbus and the Discovery of 
America, with an ornate enrichment of emblematic de- 
signs. On the key of the arch of the casing is a Head oj 
Columbus-^ a very excellent piece of facial execution. On 
the sides of the casing are four admirable typical statuettes, 
placed in niches at the top and bottom of the door, and 
arranged chronologically: A, Asia; B, Africa; C, Europe; 
D, America. The rest of the casing is embellished with a 
running border of ancient armor, banners, and heraldic de- 
signs ; and at the bottom, on either side, an anchor — all in 
basso relievo^ and emblematic of Navigation and Conquest. 
On the frame of each leaf of the door, set in niches, are six- 
teen statuettes of the patrons and contemporaries of Colum- 
bus. They are given as nearly as possible in the order of the 
importance of their association with the promulgation and 
execution of his theory, or in the extension of tlie range of 
geographical exploration inaugurated by him. The first 8 
figures are associated in pairs when the doors are closed; 
when opened, they are divided, but should be examined in 
the order of the references. 

I. Alexander VI, Roderigo Lenzoli Borgia, a native of Spain, Pope of Rome 
I49Z-ISOJ. 

z. Pedro Gonzales dc Mendoza, Archbishop of Toledo, and Grand Cardinal of 
Spain, a man of great influence at court, and early patron of Columbus. 

3. Ferdinand, King of Spain, royal patron of the undertaking of Columbus. 

4. Isabella, Queen of Spain, and royal patroness of Columbus. 

5. Charles Vlll, King of France, an enlightened monarch and friend to the cause 
' of discovery. 

6. Lady Beatriz de Bobadilla, Marchioness of Moya, and friend of Columbus. It 
is said that the likeness is of Mrs. Rogers, wife to the sculptor. 

7. John II, King of Portugal, the monarch who rejected the proposals of Colum- 
bus. 

8. Henry VII, King of England, appealed to by Bartholomew Columbus on behalf 
of his brother J meantime the discovery was accomplished under the auspices of 
Spain. 

9. Juan Perez de Marchcna, prior of the Convent of La Rabida, and friend to 
Columbus. 

10. Martin Alonzo Pinzon, commander of the Pinta, the second vessel in the first 
fleet across the ocean. 

II. Hernando Cortez, early companion of Columbus, and conqueror of Mexico. 
12. Bartholomew Columbus, brother to Christopher, advocate of his theory at the 



ROTUNDA. 69 

court of Henry VII, and first Adelentado of Hispaniola. It is said that the likeness 
is of the sculptor. 

I J. Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in his first voyage of discovery, 
and one of the most daring of his contemporaries. 

14. Vasco Nunez de Balboa, discoverer of the Pacific Ocean from the Isthmus of 
Darien. 

15. Amerigo Vespucci, one of the earlier discoverers of the main land of America, 
author of the first account of the New World, and from whom the continent takes its 
name. 

16. Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru. 

The panels illustrate in alto relievo the leading events in the 
career of Columbus, beginning at the lower panel of the r. or 
S. leaf of the door. 

I. Columbus examined before the Council of Salamanca respecting his theory 
of the globe, which was rejected. 

II. Departure of Columbus for the Spanish coast from the Convent of La Rabida, 
near Palos. 

III. Audience at the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. 

IV. Departure of Columbus from Palos on his first voyage of discovery. 

V. Transom panel, Columbus landed on the Island of San Salvador, and taking 
possession in the name of his sovereign. 
VI. Encounter with the natives. 
VII. Triumphal entree of Columbus into Barcelona. 
VIII. Columbus in chains. 

IX. The death-bed of Columbus. He died at Valladolid May 20, 1506, aged 70 
years. His last words were: " In manus tuas, Domine^ commendo spiritum meum.^'' 
"Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Thirty years after his remains 
were transferred to the Cathedral of San Domingo, on the island of that name. In 
1796, when the Spaniards lost their hold on the island, they were removed to Havana. 

Between the panels are a series of heads, representing the 
historians of the vo3\ages of Columbus and his followers. That 
above the lower or N. panel of the door is Washington Irving^ 
and in the corresponding position opposite W. H. Prescott. 

The most celebrated bronze doors of Em-ope are in Florence, 
in the Church of the Baptistry of St. John, opposite the Duo- 
mo. They are three in number, the centre one, by Lorenzo 
Ghiberti, about 1420-1450, consumed thirty years in execution, 
and illustrates scenes in the Old Testament. Michael Angelo 
declared this gate worthy to be the portal of Paradise. The 
earliest of the remaining two is by Andrea Pisano, 1330, and 
the other by Ghiberti, 1400-1420, consumed 20 years in exe- 
cution, and was the first of the sculptor's works illustrating 
scenes in the ISTew Testament. 

Eotunda. — From the central Portico, passing through the 
great Bronze Door, the visitor stands under the lofty canopy 
of the Rotunda. The height from pavement to canopy is 
180 ft., and diameter 98 ft. The circuit of the sides is di- 
vided into eight panels, separated by massive Roman pilas- 
ters, supporting an entablature ornamented with wreaths of 
olive. Festoons of elaborately traced flowers, scrolls, and 
wreaths embellish the upper x)ortions of tliese panels. The 



70 ROTUNDA. 

^\Teatbs on either side, over the panels on the r. and 1. 
of the E. and W. doors, encircle busts of Columbus,, Cabot,, 
Raleigh, and La Salle, four names most conspicuously iden- 
tified with the history of the early discovery and exj^loration 
of the N. American continent. They were executed by 
Capellano and Cancici, Italians, both pupils of Canova, were 
ordered in 1827, and, with the frieze of wreath-work, cost 
$9,500. That over the panel on the 1. of the W. door is 
Columbus ; in the corresponding position on the r. is Kaleigh ; 
over tlie panel on the 1. of the E. door is Cabot ; and corre- 
sponding on the r. La Salle. Over the four entrances are 
smaller panels, containing historical subjects in basso relievo. 

E. Door. — The Landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, 
1620 : Cancici, a pupil of Canova. 

W. Door. — Pocahontas Saving the Life of Captain Smith, 
1606 : Capellano, 1821, a pupil of Canova. 

N. Door. — William Penn (the founder of Pennsylvania) 
Holding a Conference with the Lidians, 1682 : Gevelot, 1827. 

S. Door. — Daniel Boone in Conflict with the Indians, 1773 : 
Caucici. 

All these sculptured subjects are wretched caricatures, and 
disfigure the conspicuous places they were designed to em- 
bellish. Thev were ordered in 1826, and cost $3,500 each, or 
$14,000. 

It is designed to ornament the frieze, 300 ft. in length, 
with sculpture, representing the History of the United States, 
and make other improvements necessary to the appropriate 
finish of this part of the Capitol. In the eight large panels 
between the four doors of the Rotunda are a corresponding 
number of historical paiiitings, four illustrating the discovery 
and settlement of North America, and four the leading events 
in the struggle for independence. The first executed were 
by Trumbull, ordered in 1817. The last of which was com- 
pleted in 1824. The artist. Colonel John Trumbull, of Con- 
necticut, in 1775 was an Aid-de-Camp to Washington, and 
in 1776 Deputy Adjutant General of the N. Department, 
under Gates. He first cultivated the art of painting in 
America, and later studied in Europe. In 1786 his pictm-e 
of the Death of General Warren at Bunker Hill was com- 
pleted in London. John Adams, at the time, was residing 
in that city as Minister of the United States, and Jefferson, 
in the same capacitj^, was at Paris. The artist expressed 
to them his intention to commemorate the leading events of 
the Revolution in a series of historical paintings. In 1789 
he returned to liis native land to carry out his purpose. He 
at first established himself at New York, then the seat of gov- 
ernment, and secured life portraits of the leading actors in 



ROTUNDA. 71 

the stirrina; scenes he proposed to transfer to canvas. Havino- 
finished there, he traveled from New Hampsliire to Sontli 
Carolina, completina; his collection of portraits, and sketch- 
ing the localities of the events. In 1794 he had nearly com- 
pleted this preliminarjMvork. In 1817 Congress ordered the 
execntion of the fonr revolutionary paintings noAV in the Ro- 
tunda. If the paintings do not exhibit the artistic touch and 
spirit of a master, they are at least faithful representations of 
great events in our national history. The majority of tb.c 
portraits are from life. 

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.— 
Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting in the 
panel on the r. of the S. door represents the memorable 
Congress of 1776 at the moment of signing that instrument 
of American liberty. In the disposition of the characters tlie 
artist consulted Jefferson and Adams, both of whom were 
present. The style of dress, the furniture, and the liall itself, 
are exact reproductions of the time and place. The promi- 
nent group of figures on the r. in the painting are Jefferson 
of Va., the author of the instrument before named, Adams 
of Mass., Franklin of Perm., Hancock of Mass., Rutledge of 
S. C, and Thompson of Penn. For variety of composition, 
the Committee of Five are represented as having advanced in 
a body to the President^s table, instead of reporting in the 
usual form, through their chairman. The rigid dignity of the 
scene and tlie expression of determination on every counte- 
nance will be observed. 

The names of the individuals represented, commencing on 
the observer's left (the right of the picture) and following the 
line towards the r. are — 

I, George Wythe,*f Va.; 2, William Whipple, and j, Josiah Bartlett, of N. H.; 
4, Benjamin Harrison, of Va.; 5, Thomas Lynch, of S. C.; 6, Richard Henry Lee, 
of Va.; 7, Samuel Adams, of Mass.; 8, George Clinton, of N. Y.; 9, William Paca, 
and 10, Samuel Chase, of Md.; il, Lewis Morris, and iz, William Floyd, of N. Y.; 
13, Arthur Middleton, and 14, Thomas Heyward, of S. C; 15, Charles Carroll, of 
Md.; 16, George Walton, of Ga.; 17, Robert Morris, 18, Thomas Willing, and 19, 
Benjamin Rush, of Penn.; 20, Elbridge Gerry, and 21, Robert Treat Paine, of Mass.; 
22, Abraham Clark, of N. J.; 2j, Stephen Hopkins, and 24, William Ellery, of R. L; 
25, George Clymer, of Penn.; 26, William Hooper, and 27, Joseph Hewes, of N. C; 
28, James Wilson, of Penn.; 29, Francis Hopkinson, of N. J.; 30, John Adams, of 
Mass.; 31, Roger Sherman, of Conn., 32, Robert L. Livingston, of N. Y.; 33, Thomas 
Jefferson, of Va.; 34, Benjamin Franklin, of Penn.; 35, Richard Stockton, N. J.; 36, 
Francis Lewis, N. Y.; 37, John Witherspoon, of N. J.; 38, Samuel Huntington, 39, 
William Williams, and 40, Oliver Wolcott, of Conn.; 41, John Hancock, of Mass.; 
42, Charles Thompson, of Penn.; 43, George Read, Del.; 44, John Dickinson, of 
Penn.; 45, Edward Rutledge, of S. C; 46, Thomas McKean, of Del.; and 47, 
Philip Livingston, of N. Y. 

The Surrender of Burgoyne, October, 1777. — Trum- 
bull. Ordered 1817, cost 68,000. The painting in the pan- 
el on tlic 1. of the W. door represents the surrender of the 



72 ROTUNDA. 

Britisli Gen. Burgoyne to the American Gen. Gates at Sara- 
toi^a. The scene portrayed represents Burgoyne, attended 
by Gen. Pliillips and other officers, dismounted, and near the 
marquee of the American commander, offering his sword to 
Gen. Gates, who advances, but declines to receive the token 
of submission, and invites the fallen general into his quar- 
ters. On the r. of Gates is a group of the principal officers 
of the American army of the N. In the background will be 
observed the British army at the confluence of Fish Creek and 
N". River. The troops, in long lines, under the direction of 
Col. Lewis, Quartermaster General of the American army, 
and headed by American, British, and German officers, are 
moving across the creek and meadows towards the place of 
surrender in the foreground. 

The portraits introduced, beginning on the observer's left, 
are — 

I, Maj. Lithgow, of Mass.; 2, Col. Cilly, and j, Gen. Starke, of N. H.; 4. Capt. 
Seymour, of Conn., of Sheldon's Horse; 5, Maj. Hull, and 6, Col. Greaton, of Mass.; 
7, Maj. Dearborn, and 8, Col. Scammell, of N.'H.; 9, Col. Lewis, of N. Y., Quarter- 
master General; 10, Maj. Gen. Phillips^ of the British army; 11, Lieut. Gen. Bur- 
goyne, Commander of the British forces; 12, Gen. Baron Reidesel, of the British 
army, (German); ij, Col. Wilkinson, Deputy Adjutant General of the American 
army; 14, Gen. Gates, Commander of the American forces; 15, Col. Prescott, of 
Mass. Volunteers; 16, Col. Morgan, of the Va. Riflemen; 17, Brig. Gen. Rufus 
Putnam, and 18, Lieut. Col. Brooks, of Mass ; 19, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, of R. I., 
Chaplain ; 20, Maj. Robert Troup, of N. Y., Aid-de-Camp ; 21, Maj. Haskell, of 
Mass.; 22, Maj. (after Gen.) Armstrong, Aid-de-Camp ; 2j, Maj. Gen. Philip Schuy- 
ler, of N. Y.; 24, Brig. Gen. Glover, of Mass.; 25, Brig. Gen. Whipple, of the N. 
H. Militia; 26, Maj. Clarkson, of N. Y., Aid-de-Camp; and 27, Maj. Stevens, of 
Mass., commanding artillery. 

The Surrender of Cornwallis, October, 1781. — 
Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting on the 
r. of the W. door represents the closing scefte in the contest 
between the Colonies and the mother country, the surrender 
of tlie army of Lord Cornwallis to the Americans at York- 
town, Virginia. 

The event is associated with an incident which should be 
borne in mind in order to comprehend what might seem out 
of keeping. About 18 montlis before the surrender, Gen. 
Lincoln, in command of the American forces at Charleston, 
S. C, had been obliged to capitulate to the Britisli. Lord 
Cornwallis at that time refused to allow the American com- 
mander to march out of the city with colors flying and other 
honors customary under the circumstances. The terms of 
surrender accorded to Lord Cornwallis in this instance were 
the same as he had gi-anted to Gen. Lincoln. Gen. Wash- 
ington, the Commander-in-Chief, and to whom the honor of 
receiving the surrender was due, appointed Gen. Lincoln to 
superintend the submission of the British, in the same man- 



ROTUNDA. 73 

ner as the American Gen. and his troops had been treated at 
Charleston. 

The American forces will be seen in order of battle on the 
r. of the road leading into York ; Washington and the Ameri- 
can general officers resting on the r. of the line. The French 
troops face the Americans fi-om the opposite side of the road, 
with Gen. Kochambeau and the chief officers of the French 
army and navy on their 1. The British troops, with shoul- 
dered arms, colors cased, and drums beating, are filing out of 
the town, approaching the two lines of the victorious Ameri- 
cans and French to the place of surrender, from whence, hav- 
ing grounded and left their arms, they will march back un- 
armed to their quarters. 

The scene itself represents Lord Cornwallis and his chief 
officers, under the direction of Gen. Lincoln, passing the op- 
posite groups of American and French generals and entering 
between the two lines of the victors. By this disposition the 
chief actors in the scene are brought out boldly. In the dis- 
tance the town of York is visible, with the conquered troops 
marching out. York Kiver and the Chesapeake Bay are also 
brought in, and attbrd a general idea of the topographical sur- 
roundings. It may be added, with respect to tlie French offi- 
cers, that tlieir portraits were obtained from Paris, in 1787, 
and were taken from life, at the residence of Mr. Jefterson, 
then Minister of the United States to France. 

The following are the portraits given, commencing on the 
observer's 1. : 

I, Count Deuxponts; 2, Duke de Laval Montmorency, and 3, Count Custine, 
Cols, of French Infantry; 4. Duke de Lauzun, Col. of French Cavalry; 5, Gen. 
Choizy ; 6, Viscount Viomeuil ; 7, Marquis de St. Simon; 8, Count Fersen, and 
9, Count Dumas, Aids-de-Camp to Count Rochambeau; 10, Marquis Chastellux ; 
II, Baron Viomeuil ; 12, Count de Barre and Count de Grasse, Admirals in the 
French Navy; 14, Count Rochambeau, Gen. -in-Chief of the French forces; 15, 
Gen. Lincoln, American Army ; 16, Col. Stevens, American Artillery ; 17, Gen. 
Washington, Commander-in-Chief; 18, Thomas Nelson, Gov. of Va. ; 19, Mar- 
quis Lafayette; 20, Baron Steuben; 21, Col. Cobb, Aid-de-Camp to Gen. Wash- 
ington; 22, Col. Trumbull, Secretary to Gen. Washington ; 23.Maj. Gen. Clinton, 
of N. Y. ; 24, Gen. Gist, of Md. ; 25, Gen. Wayne, of Penn. ; 26, Gen. Hand, of 
Penn., Adjutant General; 27, Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, of Penn.; 28, Maj. Gen. 
Knox, Commander of Artillery ; 29, Lieut. Col. Huntingdon, acting Aid to Gen. 
Lincoln; 30, Col. Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General ; 31, Col. Alexander 
Hamilton, commanding Light Infantry; 32, Col. Laurens, ofS. C. ; 33, Col. Wai- 
ter Stuart, of Penn., and 34, Col. Nicholas Fish, of N. Y. 

Resignation of Genekal Washington, Dec. 23, 1783 : 
Trnmbuil. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting on the 
1. of tlie N. door represents Washington returning his com- 
mission to the President of Congress. The great contest 
was over. Peace had been proclaimed. That great patriot 
had withdrawn from the army at New York, on which occa- 
sion many of those who were thus to be forever deprived of 



74 ROTUNDA. 

his leadership shed tears. It was Dec. 23, 17S3, in the State 
House at AiniapoUs, Maryland. The patriot commander was 
surrounded by liis officers, in the presence of tlie Con<^ress 
of the infant Kepublic, and was now about to restore to Con- 
gress his commission, and witli it tlie autliority witli wliich 
they had invested him in the dark and trying- times of the 
war. He had completed a touching- address. After con- 
gratulating Congress upon the successful issue of tlie con- 
flict, expressing his obligations to tlie army, and committing 
tlie f nture to the protection of Almiglity God, he closed witli 
the words : "Having now linished the work assigned me, I 
retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an aliec- 
tionate farewell to this august body, under whose orilers I 
have so long acted, I here otier 1113^ commission, and take my 
leave of all'the employments of public life." It may be men- 
tioned, as a coincidence, that the President of Congress was, 
in 1775, the flrst aid-de-camp to the illustrious general. 

The portraits introduced, commencing on the observer's 
left, are — 

I, Thomas Mifflin, of Penn., President of Congress; 2, Charles Thompson, of 
Penn.; 3, Eibridge Gerry, of Mass.; 4, Hugh Williamson, of N. C. ; 5, Samuel 
Osgood, of Mass.; 6, Edward McComb, of Del.; 7, George Partridge, of Mass.; 
8, Edward Lloyd, of Md. ; 9, R. D. Spaight, of N. C; 10, Benjamin Hawkins, of 
N. C. ; II, A. Foster, of N. H. ; 12, Thomas Jefferson and Arthur Lee, of Va. ; 
14, David Howell, of R. I.; 15, James Monroe, of Va. ; and 16, Jacob Reed, ofS. 
C, all members of Congress; 17, James Madison, of Va., spectator; 18, William 
Ellery, of R. 1.; 19, Jeremiah Townley Chase, of Md.; 20, S. Hardy, of Va. ; and 
21, Charles Morris, of Penn., members of Congress; 22, General Washington, of 
Va. ; 23, Cols. Walker and Humphreys, aids-de-camp; 25 and 26, Gens Small- 
wood and Williams, and 27 and 28, Cols. Smith and Howard, of Md. ; 29, Charles 
Carroll and two daughters, of Md. ; 30, Mrs, Washington and her three grand- 
children; and 31, Daniel Jenifer of St. Thomas, of Md., spectators. 

In the corresponding panels on the opposite or E. side of 
the Rotunda, beginning on the 1. of the S. door leading to 
the House of Representatives, are four paintings of historical 
events connected with the discovery and early settlement of 
America. 

Baptism of Pocahontas, 1613: Chapman. Ordered 
1836, cost $10,000. The scene is at Jamestown, in Virginia, 
the tirst permanent white settlement on the American con- 
tinent. Pocahontas, the daughter of the Indian king Pow- 
hatan, had already given evidence of her attachment for the 
whites, and had saved the settlement from extirpation at the 
hands of her ruthless people. The Indian princess is in the 
act of receiving the sacred rite of baptism. John Rolfe, her 
future husband, stands by her side. The relatives of tlie prin- 
cess are present. Her uncle, with revengeful look, watches 
the scene. 

The portraits introduced, commencing on the observer's 1., 
are — 



ROTUNDA. 75 

I, Standard Bearer; 2, the Page; j, John and Ann Laydon, first marned in the 
country; 4, Sir Thomas Dale; 5, Alexander Whitaker; 6, Hans Spilman; 7, Po- 
cahontas; 8, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest, first settlers; 9, John Rolfe; 10, Sister to Poca- 
hontas; II, Nantequas, brother to Pocahontas; 12, Opechaucanough; 13, Opachisco, 
uncle to Pocahontas; 14, Richard Whiffin. 

Discovery of the Mississippi River by De Soto, 
May, 1541 : Powell. Ordered 1850, cost $12,000. The paint- 
ing is intended to represent De Soto and his party arriv- 
ing on the banks of the Mississippi, after a toilsome march 
tlu'ongh swamp and forest from distant Florida. The paint- 
ing, however, does not verify liistory. The discoverers had 
endured great privations, and, ragged and w^orn, took to the 
river in canoes, in hopes of escape from their snirerings. De 
Soto succumbed to the fatigues of the march, and was buried 
in the river. On the r. will be seen the Mississippi, filled with 
green islands, and canoes laden with savages approaching or 
landing on the banks near at hand. 

The portraits and prominent characters and objects repre- 
sented, commencing on the observer's 1., are — 

I, Soldier dressing his wounded leg; 2, a young Spanish cavalier; 3, a confessor; 
4, a group of standard bearers and helmeted men; 5, a cannon being placed in po- 
sition by artillerymen; 6, a Moorish servant; 7, De Soto mounted; 8, camp chest, 
with arms, helmets, and other accoutrements and implements of war; 9, two young 
Indian maidens ; 10, Indian chiefs bringing the pipe of peace ; 11, old priest bless- 
ing the cross; 12, ecclesiastic bearing the censer; 13, stalwart men planting the 
cross. 

The first engagement for a picture to fill this panel was with 
Henry Inman. The artist however died before the completion 
of his work, and the picture was abandoned. 

Landeng of Columbus, October 12, 1492 : Vanderlyn. 
Ordered 1842, cost $10,000. This painting represents Colum- 
bus, accompanied by his principal officers and a few attend- 
ants, already landed on the Island of Guanahani, one of the 
Bahama Islands, and the first land discovered . The successful 
discoverer is in the act of proclaiming possession in the name 
of the Idng and queen of Spain. In the distance groups of 
seamen are giving expression to their joy ; two figures near 
are contending for glittering particles in tlie sand. The fleet 
at anchor in the distance. A peculiarly tropical haze pervades 
the atmosphere. 

The following are the principal characters represented, 
commencing on the observer's 1. : 

I, Alonzo de Ojeda ; 2, cabin boy kneeling; 3, Rodrigo Sanchez, inspector; 4, 
Vincent Yanez, standard bearer; 5, Martin Alonzo Pinzon, standard bearer; 6, 
mutineer repentant; 7, Rodrigo de Escobedo, notary ; 8, Columbus; 9, soldier look- 
ing at the natives; 10, sailor's veneration of Columbus; 11, friar bearing the cross. 

EiMBARKATlON OF THE PILGRIMS f rom Delft-Haven, in 
Holland, July 21, 1620, O. S. : Weir. Ordered 1836, cost 
$10,000. Represents the Piuitan fathers about to brave the 



76 ROTUNDA. 

dangers of the stormy Atlantic for an asylum in the wilds of 
America, where they might enjoy the blessings of civil and 
religious liberty. 

The following portraits are introduced, commencing on the 
observer's 1. : 

I, boy of Mrs. Winslow; 2, Mr. and Mrs. Winslow; 3, Mr. and Mrs. White; 
4, boy of Mrs. Winslow; 5, Mrs. Brewster and child; 6, Elder William Brewster; 
7, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller; 8, William Bradford; 9, Gov. Carver; 10, nurse and 
child; II, Mrs. Carver and child; 12, William Robinson, pastor of the congrega- 
tion; ij, Mrs. Bradford; 14, Captain Reynolds; 15, boy of Gov. Carver; 16, 
Miles Standish and wife Rose. 

The domical ceiling, viewed from the pavement of the 
Rotunda consists of an inner shell, over which is the mas- 
sive iron covering of the Dome. The canopy stands at a 
height of 180 ft. above the pavement, and measures 65^ ft. 
in dameter, and 21 ft. perpendicular height. The canopy is 
ornamented with a variety of figures in fresco, combining 
allegory and history, executed by C. Brumidi. The central 
group, which occupies the apex of the ceiling, represents a 
deification of Washington, the Father of American Liberty. 
On his r. is Freedom, and on his 1. Victory. In the foreground 
are 13 female figures, representing tlie original States of 
the American Union. These figures form a crown and sup- 
port a band, upon which are the appropriate words E Pluri- 
hus Unum. The figures begin with New Hampshire, on the 
1. of Victory, and follow in'semi-circular procession, accord- 
ing to their geographical order. The drapery, decoration, 
and coloring are designed to indicate the products and situa- 
tion of the States represented. Around the base of the can- 
opy,, which measures about 204 ft., are 6 emblematic groups, 
designed as an allegory of the Revolution, 1776-'83. These 
groups begin at tlie W. 

1. The Fall of Tyranny. — Represented by Freedom and an Eagle battling 
with Tyranny and Priestcraft ; a mailed soldier vainly struggling to uphold the 
ermined robe of royalty. Discord stands by; also Anger and Revenge, with the 
incendiary torch. 

2. Agriculture, towards the N. — Represented by Ceres, with cornucopia. 
America, wearing a red Cap of Liberty, turning over to Ceres the mastery of a pair 
of horses attached to a reaper. Flora is gathering flowers, and Pomona bears a basket 
of fruit. 

J. Mechanics. — Represented by Vulcan, resting his r. foot on a cannon, and 
around are the various instruments of his art, with mortars and cannon balls. 

In the E. is — 

4. Commerce. — Represented by Mercury, holding a bag of gold, and directing 
attention to it. The figure thus called is Robert Morris, the financier of the Revo- 
lution. Merchandise, with men at work, and two sailors, pointing to a gunboat, 
complete the allegory. 

5. Marine. — Representing Neptune in his car, bearing his trident, accompanied 
by attendants, emerging from the deep. Amphrodite, Venus, is about dropping 
into the foaming waters an electric cable, which has been handed her by a cherub. 

6. Arts and Sciences.— Represented by Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom, 



ASCENT OP THE DOME. 77 

surrounded by figures— Franklin, the philosopher; Fulton, the inventor of the 
steamboat ; and Morse, the inventor of the magnetic telegraph. The figures of 
juveniles indicate teaching. 

These frescoes cover nearly 5,000 sq. ft. They may be 
slewed from different points in the ascent of the Dome. As 
they are approached they increase in size. Seen from the 
balustrade beneath the canopy, they are of colossal propor- 
tions. Sufficient light by day is thrown in from the openings 
in the outer shell of the Dome. At night hundreds of gas 
jets, lighted by electricity, illuminate not only the canopy, 
but the entire interior of the Dome. 

These frescoes were ordered in 1864, and cost $50,000, of 
which $39,000 was paid for compensation of the artist and as- 
sistants, and the balance for materials. 

Ascent of the Dome. — The stairway inside the lii-st door on 
the 1., after leaving the rotunda on the N., leads to the top 
of the dome. At the head of the first flight of steps on the 
r. is the entrance to the battery and electric gas-lighting ap- 
paratus^ to wliich a visit should be made. Returning and 
continuing the ascent, an opportunity is afforded of studying 
the mechanism of the immense structure overhead. A small 
door at the top of an intricate flight of steps opens between 
the inner and outer shells. On the inside is a range of arches, 
affording a \ iew of the rotunda and canopy. A short distance 
above a doorway opens under an imposing peristyle of 36 iron 
columns. The next door opens upon a balustrade above. The 
last ascent is by an abrupt flight of steps over the inner shell, 
whicli leads to the platform immediately beneath the canop}'. 
This point affords a closer view of Brumidi's allegory, a de- 
scription of whicli will be found elsewhere. This platform 
makes a fine whispering gallery. Another flight of steps 
leads to the crowning platform, from which the most exten- 
sive view of the city "may be had. 

Panoramic View of the City.— With the assistance of the 
maps of the citj' and District, the stranger will be able to ac- 
quaint himself with the most prominent features in the view. 
Looking towards the E., on the 1. is the Asjdum for the Deaf 
and Dnmb, and on the r., beyond tlie Anacostia, the Asylum 
for the Insane. On the S. may be seen the Anacostia uniting 
with the broad current of the Potomac. On the point are the 
buildingsof the Arsenal, and 7 m. below, on theopposite shore, 
Alexandi'ia. Opposite Georgetown is Arlington House, with 
Fort Whipple on the r. In the W. is the official quarter of 
the city. The building on the hill, at the head of New Jersey 
av., is the Howard University ; and the white tower in the dis- 



78 



DIAGRAM OF THE CAPITOL. 




11§ 
05 5 s « ? s ^ 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 79 

tance, on the line of E. Capitol st., is the Soldiers' Hgrne. 
Tlie railroad which leaves the city on the N. is the Baltimore 
and Ohio — the r. brancli for Baltimore, and the 1. for Point of 
Rocks and the W. The road S. of the Capitol is the Balti- 
more and Potomac, also for the IST. and W., running in con- 
nection witli the Pennsj'lvania Central. The Tiber Creek 
follows the basin of the valley on tlie IST. 

Library of the United States.— (OjDew every day, Sundays 
excepted , from 9 a. m. to 4 2^. m. ; during the sessions of Con- 
gress till hour of adjournment.) The Library of the United 
States may be readied from tlie Rotunda by the W. door, 
along' the corridor on either side of the balustrade around the 
head of the staircase leading up from the main W. entrance. 
The principal door of the Library is immediately opposite the 
W. door of tlie Rotunda. 

The Library Halls occupj'- the principal floor of the entire 
W. projection of the Capitol, consisting of a connecting cen- 
tral hall, 91 J ft. long, 34 ft. wide, and'38 ft. high, completed 
in 1853, with two wings on the IST. and S., each 95 ft. long, 29J 
ft. wide, and 38 ft. high, finished in 1865. The interior was 
designed by Mr. Walter, Architect of the Capitol, who com- 
pleted the central library, and the ^A'ings were carried out by 
]Mi'. Clark, his successor, at a total cost of $280,000. The cen- 
tral library consists of 12 deep recesses, or alcoves, surmount- 
ed b}' 2 upper tiers of cases, with galleries and corridors, all of 
iron. Tlie hall is lighted by windows in the alcoves and by 
skylights fitted in the iron frame- work of the roof, and trahs- 
mittetl through the ceiling. This consists of iron frame-work, 
supported upon massive'foliated iron brackets, each weigh- 
ing 2,000 lbs. The alcoves and shelves are embellished with 
piiastered and paneled fronts, painted a soft buff color and 
artistically gilded. The book-shelves are also of iron, and 
covered with leather. The floors are of tessellated black-and- 
white marble. The wings are of the same design as the cen- 
tral hall. Tlie former have 4 tiers of shelves instead of 3. Heat 
and ventilation are supplied from the Senate and House ap- 
paratus, 200 ft. distant, on either side. The iron-vrork was 
manufactured in New York, and transported in pieces. It 
is the only completely flrc-proof library in the world. The 
library hails allord accommodation for 172,000 volumes, and 
with the attic and law library 210,000. The additional space 
required has been in part supplied by temporary wooden 
shelves ranged along the galleries. 

It is proposed to' erect a suitable building in the angle of 
the E. Park of the Capitol, to be specially devoted to the pur- 
poses of the Library of the United States. A special com- 



80 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

mission, created by act of Mar. 3, 1873, now have this subject 
under consideration. 

Speaking of the necessities of the Library, IMr. Spofford, Li- 
brarian, says : " Wliatever may be the present rate of growth 
of American libraries, it cannot be doubted that tiieir ])rospec- 
tive increase, with the growing development and intellectual 
enterprise of the country, will be in an accelerated ratio as 
compared with thepast. The Library has twice doubled with- 
in twelve years. In 1860 there M-ere 63,000 volumes in the 
Library, in 1866 there were 100,000, and in 1872 there were 
246,000. Without calculating upon specially large accessions, 
it is reasonable to assume that, by the ordinary additions to 
its stores from copyrights and from all other sources, it will 
reach 700.000 volumes^ by the year 1900, 1,250,000 by the year 
1925, 1,750,000 by 1950, and 2,500,000 by 1975, or about a cen- 
tury hence." 

In 1874 the Library numbered 260,000 volumes and 50,000 
pamphlets. Of this aggregate 30,000 volumes belonged to 
the law library. The average annual accessions are 10,000 
boolvs and 5,000 pamphlets. The sources of supply in the or- 
der of numbers are as follows : purchase, copyright, (excluding 
duplicates,) deposit of the Smithsonian Institution, presenta- 
tion, and exchange . The whole number of copyrights entered 
in 1873 was 15,352. 

The largest liDrary in the world is the Bihliotheque Nation- 
ale, Paris, having about 1,400,000 volumes. The second is the 
British Museum Lihrary, London, with 900,000 volumes. The 
Royal Library, at Munich, claims to have 800,000 volumes. It 
may be generally stated that there are sixteen libraries in Eu- 
rope larger than the Library of the United States. The lat- 
ter, numbering 260,000 volumes, is the largest in America. 
The second is the Boston Public Library, 'which has about 
200,000. 

This national collection of hooks has many distinctive fea- 
tures. It is richer than any other — perhaps than all others 
combined — in books, pamphlets, journals, manuscripts, and 
maps relating to the history and topograj^hy of America. It 
is only approximated in this particular by the library in the 
British Museum in London. It is also well stocked with the 
printed literature, in various languages, relating to South, 
Central, and British America, and the Islands of the West 
Indies. Its collection of pamphlets illustrating the progress 
and political history of the country is unrivaled. 

The next great feature is the completeness of its law de- 
partment, including, as it does, complete sets, nearly all in 
duplicate, of English and American reports, the statute law 
of all countries, and the best editions of most published text- 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 81 

books in the common and civil law. Every department of 
jurisprudence is represented, and tlie collection is kept up to 
date by purchase and the importation of freshest works in 
every field. The general library is very complete in its peri- 
odical collections. Full sets of all the British and American 
reviews and magazmes are kept up, and bound files of the 
leading newspapers of the country are here stored for refer- 
ence. One of the most valuable files of newspapers is a full 
set of the London Gazette, from its first issue in 1665 down 
to date. Only one other complete set exists. This contin- 
ues the official organ of the British Government. Besides the 
valuable collection of colonial and revolutionary newspapers, 
the Library is in possession of a complete file of the N'ew York 
Evening Post, from its fii'st issue in 1801 to the present year ; 
the Charleston Courier, from its first issue in 1802 down to 
its demise in 1873 ; and the Savailnah Republican for the same 
period. Also files of other metropolitan and provincial news- 
papers. No department of literatm*e, art, or science is neg- 
lected. There is a good library of works on chess, angling, 
cooking, and all miscellaneous topics, while in the exact 
and applied sciences the wealth of the collection is inesti- 
mable. 

The Library of the United States became the repository of 
the entire Smithsonian library after the fire in 1866, which 
destroj^ed so large a portion of that building. This part of 
the collection embraces the largest assemblage of the trans- 
actions of scientific and learned societies to be found in the 
world. Among the rare works are two great folios, written 
on velliun, with numerous illuminations by hand, executed 
^\dth the utmost care in the 13th centuiy. The oldest printed 
book in the libi-ary is a Constitution of Pope Clement V, of 
Rome, printed in 1467, by Peter Schoeffer, at Mentz. 

Among the most rare works of the Force collection are a 
copy of Eliot's Indian Bible ; 41 different works by Increase 
and Cotton Mather, printed in Boston and Cambridge, 1671- 
1735 ; files of early American newspapers, from 1735-1800 ; 
300 early atlases and maps, some unpublished, covering the 
country from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico ; a l^rge number 
of incunabula or books printed during the infancy of the art, 
embracing a complete series of imprints by the most distin- 
guished early printers, representing^ every year from 1467 to 
1500, and a large number printed in the following century ; 
also 48 folio volumes of historical autographs of great rarity 
and interest, embracing a collection of revolutionary letters, 
chiefly military and political, covering the whole period, 
from 1765 to 1787. The numerical extent of this collectiou is 
22,520 volumes, or, including pamphlets, 60,000 titles. 
6 



82 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



The Library is also rich in ilhistrated works in fine arts, 
architecture, and natural history. 

Under the Rules of the Library, the privilege of taking 
books out is accorded by divers statutes to the following per- 
sons : The President of the United States, Vice President of 
the United States, members of the Senate, members of the 
House of Kepresentatives, members of the Cabinet, judges of 
the Supreme Court, judges and solicitors of the Court of 
Claims, representatives of foreign governments residing at 
Washington, Secretary of the Senate, Clerk of the House of 
Kepresentatives, Solicitor of the Treasury, Financial Agent 
of the Library Committee, ex-Presidents of the United States, 
Chaplains of the two Houses of Congress, the Secretary of the 
Smithsonian Institution. All persons 16 years of age and up- 
wards are permitted to call for books to be used in the li- 
brary hall, and may obtain the same by filling one of the 
blank forms of tickets found on the tables and handing it to 
the assistant at the Librarian's desk. Books taken out by 
persons authorized thereto must be returned in two weeks. 
No maps, manuscripts, or printed books of especial rarity are 
permitted to be taken out of the Library. 

In addition to the Library of the United States, each 
House of Congress has a documentary collection of its own, 
comprising all official documents published under their au- 
thority. 




THE CAPITOL/— WEST FRONT. 

A fine view of the business and official quarters of the city 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 83 

may be had from the W. Portico, reached through the door 
in the centre of the W. side of the main hall. Immediately 
below are the terraces which form the W. face of the emi- 
nence upon which the Capitol stands. Pennsylvania av. 
diveroes from the r., and Maryland av. from the 1. Towards 
the W., between these, lie the Botanical Garden, with its 
conservatories, and the Mall, from which rise the towers of 
the Smithsonian Institution, the square outlines of the De- 
partment of Agriculture, and the iintinislied Obelisk to the 
memory of Washington, all surrounded by beautiful gardens, 
and the Long Bridge. On the summit of the hill still farther 
W. are the two domes of the Observatory, and still beyond 
the Heights of Georgetown. To the S., at the point where 
the two rivers join, lies the Arsenal. Following the broad 
bosom of the Potomac, at a distance of 7 m. the shipping and 
buildings of Alexandria are visible, and upon the river sail- 
ing and-steam-craft. On the heights overlooking the oppo- 
site bank of the river is Arlington, famous as the former 
residence of the Confederate Gen. Lee, and now the resting 
place of thousands of soldiers of the national army. A little 
to the r. and rear stands Fort Whipple. Looking towards 
the N., on the distant hills may be seen the tower of the 
Soldiers' Home, and nearer the Howard University. A fine 
view may also be had of Pennsylvania av., with the Treasury 
Department, President's House, and the new State, War, 
and Navy Department, visible at the other end. At various 
points may be seen the otlier public buildings, school-houses, 
and cliurclies, blending with the ma^s of the city. 

Librarians of the United States. — Clerks of the House of 
Representatives : 1802-1807, John Beckley, of Va. ; 1807- 
1815, Patrick Magruder, of Md. Librarians : 1815-1829, 
George Watterson, D. C. ; 1829-1861, John S. Meehan, N. 
Y. ; 1861-1864, John G. Stephenson, Ind. ; 1864, Ainsworth 
R. Spofford, Ohio. 

History. — The act of April 24, 1800, providing for the re- 
moval and accommodation of the Government of the United 
States, authorized the expenditure of $5,000 for the purchase 
of such books as might be necessary for the use of Congress 
at Washington, and" for fitting up a suitable apartment in 
the Capitol for their safe-keeping. A small number of books 
w^as purchased and forwarded to the Seat of Government. 
The chief promoter of the interests of the Library from the 
beginning was Thomas Jefferson. On Dec. 18, 1801, Uriah 
Tracy, of Connecticut, and three days later John Randolph, 
of Roanoke, respectively of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, and of the new committee appointed on the Iji- 
bi-ary, made an important report to then- respective Houses 



84 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

on the subject of the needs of the Library of Congress. The 
eftect was beneficial. A few weelcs later, Jan. 26, 1802, the 
act "concerning the Library for the nse of both Houses of 
Congress" was passed. Under the provisions of this act 
all the books or libraries previously kept separately by each 
House were placed in the Capitol, in the room in the N. wing 
occupied by the House of Representatives during the last ses- 
sion of the Sixth Congress. Tlie House, from 1801 to 1805, 
occupied the temporary structure outside, known as the 
*•' Oven," south of the building. The unexpended balance of 
the first appropriation of $5,000, together with such sums as 
might be thereafter appropriated, were to be expended under 
the direction of the joint committee. The early appropria- 
tions were very small, as low as $450. The first collection 
of books under the new act was made in 1802, under tlie 
direction of Albert Gallatin, of Penn., Dr. Samuel Latham 
Mitchill, of ]Sr. Y., and others, and comprised about 3,000 
volumes. 

In 1806, on the report of Dr. Mitchill, Congress appropri- 
atted $1,000 for the purchase of boolvs. Since tliat time that 
amount has been increased from time to time, as the neces- 
sities of the Library became apparent to the slow appreciation 
of Congress. The present average annual appropriation is 
$12,000. 

During the brief occupation of the city by the British, in 

1814, the Library was destroyed, with the rest of the interior 
of the Capitol. To repair this loss, Thomas Jefferson, in a 
letter dated at Monticello, Sept. 21, 1814, addressed to Samuel 
H. Smith, tendered the sale of his library of 6,700 volumes 
to Congress. The Senate accepted the off"er at once. In 
the House, however, there was considerable debate, but the 
off'er was there also accepted. The collection contained 
many rare works, gathered by Mr. Jefferson in Europe. 
The price paid by Congress was $23,950. 

It was objected to Jefferson's collection, that some of the 
volumes were of an infidel character, and by others that it 
contained too many Bibles. His books may be distinguished 
by a private mark. Wherever the printer's signature occurs 
at the bottom of the page as a J, he has made a T before it, 
and when T occurs, a J after it. This makes the initials of 
his name. 

The new Library was deposited in the Post-ofiice building, 
an old structure commenced by Samuel Blodgett, in 1793, as 
a hotel, and situated on the S. side of the present Post Office 
square. Congress also held one session here, but in Dec, 

1815, met in the building on Capitol Hill, erected for its 
temporary accommodation by the citizens of Washington. 



II 



I 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 85 

The Library, however, was not removed till after the resto- 
ration of the N". wing was completed. It was then trans- 
ferred temporarily to apartments on the W. side of the build- 
ing, over the present oflSces of the Clerk of the Supreme 
Court. ^ 

In 1824 the Library was removed to the hall in the centre 
of the W. front of the Capitol, specially designed and fitted 
up for its accommodation. The same hall, reconstructed of 
fire-proof materials, now constitutes the central library of 
the superb suit of apartments devoted to the uses of the 
Library of the United States. 

In 1824 all duties upon books, maps, and charts imported 
for the Library were remitted by act of Congress. 

In 1846 a copy of all books, maps, charts, &c., copyrighted 
in the United States, was required to be sent to the Library 
of Congress. This was generally disregarded, and was re- 
pealed in 1859, and re-enacted in 1865. In 1867 a penalty 
was placed upon any violation of this law. 

In 1851 the Library numbered 55,000 volumes. On Christ- 
mas Eve of that year the Library took fire in one of the 
alcoves, from timbers carelessly exposed to the flues. The 
progress of the flames was rapid. In a short time 35,000 
volumes were destroyed. 

The destruction of a few works of art in the hall was irrep- 
arable. Of these the following are mentioned : Stuart's paint- 
ings of the first five Presidents of the United States; two 
portraits of Columbus, one said to have been an original ; an 
original of Peyton Randolph, President of the fii*st Conti- 
nental Congress, and others of Boliver, Baron Steuben by 
Pyne, Baron De Kalb, Cortez, Judge Hansom, of Maryland ; 
about 1,200 bronze medals of the Vattemare Exchange, some 
over two centuries old ; a likeness of Washington in bronze ; 
and busts of General Taylor by an Italian, and La Fayette 
by David. The fire, however, was confined to the central 
library. 

Congress, within the year ensuing, appropriated $157,500 
for the restoration of the library hall and the purchase of 
books. In the meantime one of the document rooms and ad- 
joining passages was occupied. 

In 1866 the custody of the valuable library of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, consisting of 40,000 volumes, was transfer- 
red to the Library. 

In 1867, at a cost of $100,000, Congress purchased the Peter 
Force collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and papers re- 
lating to American history, the most complete private collec- 
tion extant. Mr. Force was born in New Jersey in 1790, and 
died in Washington, D. C, in 1868. 



86 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The act of Congress to revise, consolidate, and amend the 
statutes relating to patents and copyrights^ approved July 8, 
1870, abolished the earlier system of entering in the clerk's 
office of the district courts, and established a general law, 
prQyiding that all records and other things relating to copy- 
rights, and required by law to be preserved, should be under 
the control of the Librarian of Congress, (the United States,) 
and kept and preserved in tliat Library. In accordance with 
this the Librarian has the immediate care and supervision of 
all matters touching copyrights, under the general direction 
of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The 
Librarian makes an annual report to Congress of the number 
and description of copyright publications for which entries 
have been made during the year. 

Two copies of the best edition of each book copyrighted are 
required to be sent to the Librarian, and one copy of each sub- 
sequent edition. The term of copyright is twenty-eight years, 
and, under certain regulations, may be extended for an ad- 
ditional term of fourteen years. 

The Law Branch of the Library of the United States occu- 
pies an apartment on the E. side of the basement of tlie N. 
wing of the main Capitol building, used from 1800 to 1860 by 
the Supreme Com-t of the United States, and immediately 
below the room at present occupied by that tribunal. The 
law books of the Library for a time occupied a room S. of the 
central library, and in 1848 were removed to an apartment on 
the W. side of the basement, near the Supreme Court room. 
In 1860, after the removal of the Supreme Court, the books 
were deposited in the present place. 

In February, 1816, an effort was made to establish a law 
library at the Seat of Government for the use of the Supreme 
Court of the United States. The measm*e failed for want of 
action by the House of Kepresentatives. 

In 1832 an act ''to increase and improve the law depart- 
ment of the Library of Congi-ess of the United States " was 
the first official recognition of this important subject. The 
fine and newly assigned apartment was authorized to remain, 
however, under the superintendence of the Librarian of Con- 
gress. The Justices of the Supreme Court were to have free 
access to the library, and to make rules and regulations for 
its proper custody and management, but not in conflict with 
the same for the government of the Library of Congress, nor 
to exclude any officers or persons having access to that Library. 

The sum of $5,000, and an annual sum of $1,000, for a pe- 
riod of five years, was appropriated, to be expended in law 
books, the purchases to be made by the Librarian of Con- 
gress, under the direction of the Chief Justice of the United 



SUPREME COURT OP THE UNITED STATES. 87 

States. These appropriations have since varied in amounts, 
at present averaging $2,000 each year. At that time there 
were about 2,000 law books in the Library of Congress, of 
which 639 were of the Jefterson library. 

Under a resolution of Congress, the law library of James 
L. Petigru, of S. C, was pm*chased in 1867 for $5,000. 

The law branch of the Library of the United States is now 
the largest and most valuable law collection in the United 
States. 

North Wing, — Leaving the Rotunda by the IST. door, the 
passage leads into a small elliptical vestibule, in imitation of 
a Greek temple, containing a peristyle, supported on an arched 
substruction in the basement. The capitals of the pillars are 
ornamented with the leaf and flower of the tobacco plant. A 
dim light is admitted through the cupola. The door imme- 
diately on the 1. entering this space leads to the electrician's 
apartments and the top of the Dome. On the 1. of the nar- 
row passage is the apparatus which operates the wires con- 
necting the batteries and gas jets. Across this vestibule is a 
second vestibule, which leads into the Supreme Court room 
on the E. Opposite is a prostyle of Potomac marble. The 
door on this side opens into the offices of the Marshal and 
Clerk of the Supreme Com-t. 

Supreme Court of the United States. — {Open to visitors every 
day^ except Sunday.) The apartment occupied by this tribu- 
nal, fomaerly the Senate Chamber, is semi-circular, with a 
rather flat dome, enriched with square caissons in stucco, and 
ch'cular apertures to admit light. The chamber is 75 ft. great- 
est length or diameter, 45 ft. greatest width, and 45 ft. high. 
On the E. side a screen of Grecian Ionic columns of breccia^ 
or variegated Potomac marble, with capitals of white Italian 
marble, modeled after those of the Temple of Minerva, pol- 
ished, extends along the back of the range of seats of the 
Justices. These columns, with the entablature, support a 
gallery. The seats of the Justices are raised several feet 
above the floor, and are ranged behmd a low screen, which 
answers the piurpose of desks. The Chief Justice occupies 
the centre seat. The officers of the court have desks at either 
end and at the foot of the Justices' platform. The floor is 
beautifully carpeted, and tables and chau's are placed within 
the bar for the accommodation of those ha\dng cases before 
the court. Outside the rail are seats for visitors. Against 
the W. wall are a number of consoles, supporting busts of the 
departed Chief Justices: 

John Jay, by Frazee, 1831, $400; John Rutledge, 1857, 



88 SUPREME COURT OP THE UNITED STATES. 

$800 ; Oliver Ellsworth, by Auger, 1834, $400 ; John Mar- 
shall, 1836, $500. 

The times for holding the sessions of the Supreme Court 
have been subjected to frequent changes by statute since 1789. 
Under the act of January, 1873, the annual session com- 
mences on the second Monday of October in each year. The 
adjournment usually takes place in May following. Daily 
sessions from 12 noon to 4 p. m. The Justices, wearing their 
judicial robes, enter from the N. door of the chamber, and 
are formally announced by the Marshal or deputy. The peo- 
ple in the room rise and remain standing till the Justices are 
seated. The opening of the court is then proclaimed by a 
proper officer. 

When the court-room was occupied by the Senate the 
President's chair stood in a niche in the screen of columns, 
and was raised on a platform. In front and lower were the 
desks of the Secretary and Chief Clerk. The entablature of 
the screen supported a gallery, in front of which was another, 
following the circle of the room, and supported by iron col- 
umns, with bronzed caps, surmounted by a gilt iron balus- 
trade. Against the wall over the E. gallery was a fine 
painting of Washington, b}'- Charles Wilson Peale, richly 
framed and draped. The chamber was chiefly lighted from 
the E., and the President's chair, standing on the line of 
the diameter of the circle, formed the centre of the radiat- 
ing aisles, between which, in concentric curves, were ar- 
ranged the Senator's desks. There were accommodations 
for 64 Senators. In the rear a railing enclosed the bar of 
the Senate. Outside were sofas for privileged visitors. The 
offices of the Senate occupied the rooms in the immediate 
vicinity of the chamber. 

Originally there was an upper gallery on the E. side, sup- 
ported by an attic colonnade, but this was removed in 1828 
to admit more light. It was then that the semi-circular gal- 
lery was introduced. The approaches to the chamber and 
galleries were exceedingly dark and gloomy. At night a 
gas chandelier diffused light. On the W. side of the building, 
across the main vestibule, were the offices of the Secretary 
of the Senate, now occupied by the officers of the court. The 
two rooms on the N. side were assigned to the President and 
Vice President — now the robing rooms. 

Latrobe, the architect, proposed to have one of the galle- 
ries supported upon emblematical figures, representing the 
thirteen original States. The models, by Franzoni, were 
completed in Italy and brought over, but no further use was 
made of them, Congress failing to appropriate the funds 
necessary to the execution of the dCwSign. 



THE UNITED STATES COURT OP CLAIMS. 89 

In the plan of the city, the reservation between D and G 
sts. N. and 4th and 5th sts. W. was set apart for the erection 
of a building' for the uses of the Judicial branch of the Govern- 
ment. ISTothing, however, was done. In Feb., 1801, the 
Supreme Coiu-t of the United States was assigned to and 
assembled in the basement on the E. side, immediately be- 
neath the present room, and now the Law Library. The 
court was assigned to its present accommodations in Dec, 
1860, upon the occupation of the new chamber provided for 
the Senate. It is proposed to erect a building for the inde- 
pendent use of the judiciary, to include the Supreme and 
other courts of the United States in the District of Colum- 
bia. The site under consideration is the square recently 
added to the E. Park of the Capitol Grrounds on the S., to 
correspond with the proposed building for the occupation of 
the Library of the United States in the same square on the N. 
These two buildings completed, standing respectively SE. 
and NE., and clear of the E. fa9ade of the Capitol, would 
add greatly to the magnificence of the main central structure. 

Chief Justices.— 17 8d, John Jay, IST. Y. ; 1795, John Rut- 
ledge, S. C, rejected; 1796, William Cashing, Mass., de- 
clined ; 1796, Oliver Ellsworth, Conn. ; 1800, John Jay, :N'. 
Y. ; 1801, John Marshall, Va. ; 1836, Roger B. Taney, Md. ; 
1864, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio ; 1874, . 

Associate Justices, 1874. — IS'athan Clifford, Me., 1858; 
Noah H. Swavne, Ohio, 1862 ; Samuel F. Miller, lo., 1862 ; 
David Davis, 111., 1862 ; Stephen Field, Cal., 1863 ; William 
Strong, Penn., 1870; Joseph P. Bradley, N". J., 1870; Ward 
Hunt; N. Y., 1873. 

The Judicial power of the United States, by the third ar- 
ticle of the Constitution, is vested in one supreme court 
and in such inferior courts as Congress may from time to 
time ordain and establish. The judges of both the supreme 
and inferior courts hold their offices during good behavior, 
and receive for their services compensation which cannot 
be dhninished during their continuance in oflSce. The Chief 
Justice and Associates of the Supreme Court of the United 
States are appointed by the President, by and with the ad- 
vice of the Senate. The Constitution defines the judicial 
power of the court, which is confined to civil cases national 
in their character : for instance, between citizens of different 
States, or in which aliens or representatives of foreign gov- 
ernments are interested, questions under treaties, and appel- 
late and revisory jurisdiction in certain cases. 

■^^he United States Court of Claims occupies a suit of rooms 
in the basement of the W. projection of tlie central building, 



90 



SENATE EXTENSION. 



reached by the 1. corridor after entering the main W. door of 
the Capitol. The court consists of a Cliief Justice and four 
Associates. Its business is the verification of claims against 
the U. S. and brought before Congress for adjustment. Chief 
Justice, Charles D. Drake, Mo., 1870. 

North or Senate Extension. — In order to preserve the con- 
tinuity of description, after leaving the Supreme Court room, 
in the IST. Wing, the visitor to the Capitol should proceed di- 
rectly to the Bronze Door of the E. vestibule of the IST. Exten- 
sion, which may be reached by pursuing the main N. and S. 
corridor, and at its terminus turning to the r. and then to the 
1., the last corridor ending in the vestibule. Just after leaving 
the vestibule of the Supreme Court the division- between the 
original Capitol and the Extension will be observed, the first 
part reached being the connecting corridor. 

The Senate Bronze Door, by Crawford, consists of a simple 
post and lintel. The frame over 
the door is supported by enrich- 
ed brackets. The ornamenta- 
tion consists of scroll-work and 
acanthus, with the cotton-boll, 
maize, grapes, and entwining 
vines. The upper panel of each 
valve contains a star, surround- 
ed by a wreath of oak leaves, and 
acts as a ventilator. In the foot 
panel of each leaf are figures, 
typical of Peace and War. The 
door is 14| ft. high and 9J ft. 
wide, with two leaves, weighs 
14,000 lbs., and was cast "by 
James T. Ames, at Chicopee, 
Mass. The total cost was $6,- 
000 for model and $50,495 for 
casting. It was put up in 1868. 
The remainder of the door 
is divided into 6 panels, in 
which, in alto relievo^ are rep- 
resented events connected with 
SKNATE BRONZE DOOR. tlic revolutiouarj" struggle, the 

establishment of the Government, and the foundation of the 
Capitol. The panels containing liistorical subjects, in chro- 
nological succession, begin at the top of the left valve of the 
door, as follows : 

I. Battle of Bunker Hill and Death of Warren, June, 1775. 





} \ 


VI 


I 


V 


II 


IV 


in 


0. 


0. 



^J 



SENATE EXTENSION. 91 

II. Battle of Monmouth, June, 1778, and Rebuke of General Lee, who meditated 

betraying the American Army. 

III. Battle of Yorktown, October, 1781. Hamilton's Capture of the Redoubt. 

IV. Welcome of Washington at Trenton, April, 1789, on his way to New York 
to assume the office of President of the United States. This panel contains por- 
traits of the sculptor, his wife, and three children, and of Rogers, the sculptor of 
the Main Door. 

V. Inauguration of Washington, First President of the United States, in New 
York, April 30, 1789. The principal figures in this panel are portraits, including 
John Adams, Vice President, on his right ; Chancellor Livingstone administers the 
oath; Mr. Otis, Secretary of the Senate, presented the Bible. The other distinguished 
personages represented are Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox and St. Clair, Roger 
Sherman, and Baron Steuben. 

VI. Laying of the Corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States at Washing- 
ton, September 18, 1793. The. prominent figures are likenesses. 

The order to Mr. Crawford contemplated two doors, one for 
the E. Portico of each wing. The sculptor had proceeded no 
further than to complete the drawing of his designs and the 
work of his models in clay, when he was overtaken by death. 
The work, however, was completed by W. H. Rhinehart, of 
Maryland, an assistant in the studio of the sculptor at Rome. 
The fortunate exaction of a guaranty from the European 
founder, who seemed to doubt the ability of the nation to 
maintain its credit and to cope with the Rebellion, then 
going on, led to the shipment of the models to the United 
States in 1863. They were somewhat damaged in removal, 
but were restored by Silas Mosman, of Massachusetts, under 
whose superintendence they were cast. Tlie mechanical ex- 
ecution of tliis work is considered in every respect equal to the 
gi-eat Door, and establishes the skill of American workmen 
in competition with those of Europe. 

Above the door, resting on a cap supported by massive 
brackets, are two reclining female figures, in American mar- 
ble, by Crawford, representing Justice and History. Both 
recline against a globe, the former supporting a volume bear- 
ing the words "Justice, Law, and Order," and has a pair of 
scales lying by her side. The latter holds a scroll, inscribed 
"History, July, 1776." On either side of the door, in the 
beautiful marble wall, is a niche, ready to receive appropriate 
statues. 

From this portico the bronze door enters a vestibule., consist- 
ing of a colonnade of 16 fluted marble columns, with capitals 
of acanthus and tobacco leaves. The columns are disposed in 
couples, and equally divided on either side with corresponding- 
pilasters. The ceiling is composed of massive blocks of highly- 
polislied marble, ranged so as to form panels, three of whicli 
are provided with stained glass for the admission of light. 
The walls are scagliola imitation of Sienna marble, and are 
broken at suitable intervals into niches, with bases of Ten- 
nessee marble. The floor is tessellated in white and blue 



92 SENATE EXTENSION. 

marble. The first door on the 1., after entering, leads into 
the Official JReporters'' Room. On the r. is the Senate Post 
Office. At the W. end is a smaller vestibule, leading to the 
floor of the Senate Chamber. The doors are of bird's-eye 
maple, with bronze enrichments, and set in bronze frames. 
The Senate Chamber will be described from the galleries. 
The public are permitted on the floor of the Chamber w^hen 
the Senate is not in session. The regular hour of meeting 
of the Senate during the session is 12 noon every day ex- 
cept Sunday, and adjourns on its own motion : holiday and 
night sessions are ordered by the Senate. During the ses- 
sion the following persons only are by law entitled to the 
privileges of the floor of the Senate : Officers of the Senate; 
Members of the House of Representatives and their clerks; 
President of the U. S. and private secretary ; heads of de- 
partments; Mnisters of the U. S. and Foreign Ministers; 
ex-Presidents and ex- Vice Presidents of the U. S. ; ex-Sen- 
ators and Senators elect ; Judges of the Supreme Court of 
the U. S. ; Governors of States and Territories ; General of 
the Army; Admiral of the Navy; Members of National 
Legislatures of foreign countries ; private secretaries of Sen- 
ators, appointed in writing ; and Librarian of Congress. 

Tlie W. door in the S. wall of the main vestibule leads to the 
E. Staircase^ ascending to the corridors and committee rooms 
of the second floor and to the ladies' galleries and retiring 
rooms. This magnificent staircase is made of highly-polished 
Tennessee marble. The columns have bronze capitals. The 
ascent from the main fioor is by a broad flight of 16 steps, which 
divide at tlie first landing, the rest of the ascent being by a 
double flight of 18 steps. Overhead is a stained-glass skylight 
set in an iron frame, surrounded by iron casing of trellis work, 
resting on a heavy cornice of marble. At the foot of the steps, 
in a niche, stands the semi-heroic statue of Franklin, the phi- 
losopher, in marble : by Hiram Powers. 1862, $10,000. 
Against the E . wall, over the first landing, is the painting of 
Perry's Victory over the British on Lake Erie : by Powell, of 
Ohio. 1873, cost $25,000. The painting represents the Com- 
modore transferring his flag from the Lawrence, which had 
been disabled, to another ship. A new movement compelled 
the enemy to surrender. The best view of this painting is 
from the balustrade at the top of the staircase. A double 
stairway, which unites at the first landing below, leads be- 
neath the arched support and massive blocking of the upper 
staircase to the basement. A beautiful stained-glass window, 
at the head of the second descent, admits light. At the foot 
of these steps is the Senate Refectorij. The best general view 



SENATE EXTENSION. 93 

of the E. staircase may be had from the lanclmg of the steps 
leading to the basement. 

The W. door in the N. wall of the vestibule opens into the 
Senate Reception Room^ a brilliant salon about 60 ft. long, 
witii a vaulted ceiling divided into two arches, that on the ^. 
being groined, and is divided into four sections, in which are 
allegorical figures in fresco: IS"., Liberty; S., Plenty; W., 
War ; E., Peace. The S. half of tlie ceiling consists of a cir- 
cular arch, broken by deep caissons, arranged in concentric 
circles. Tlie fresco in the centre represents youthful figures 
in a vignette of clouds. Outside tlie circle are allegorical fig- 
ures in fresco : N'E., Prudence; SE., Justice; SW., Temper- 
ance ; NW., Strength. All these frescoes were executed by 
Brumidi, in 1856. The ceiling is heavily gilded throughout, 
and from it is suspended a fine chandelier. Tlie walls are 
finished in tint, and enriched with stucco and gilt. They are 
divided into five panels, with medallion centres for portraits 
of illustrious citizens. Each medallion is surrounded by 
\^Teaths, and is sm-mounted by an eagle. The base of the 
walls is scagliola, in imitation of Potomac and Tennessee 
marbles. Under the arch in the S. wall is a well-executed 
centre-piece in oil, by Brumidi, representing Washington in 
consultation with Jefferson, his Secretary of State, and Ham- 
ilton, Secretary of the Treasury. On either side is a medal- 
lion yet unfilled. In the X. wall of this magnificent apart- 
ment, between the windows, is a mirror. The floor is of 
encaustic tUes, finely laid, and with a beautifully-wrought 
star as a centre-piece. The room is furnished in rosewood, 
with damask and lace curtains. In winter the floor is richly 
carpeted. 

On the E. a door opens into the Senate Post Office^ ele- 
gantly fitted with cases and other conveniences for the recep- 
tion and distribution of the Senate mails. This room was 
originally intended for the Library of the Senate, and was 
decorated with that view. The vaidted ceiling is embellished 
with frescoes by Brumidi, the principal pieces representing 
History, Geography, Physics, and the Telegraph. Three 
allegorical figures support a tasteful centre-piece, from which 
drops a chandelier. The walls are finished in oil and gilt. 
Adjoining, on the N"., is the Room of the Sergea7it~at-Arms of 
the Senate. On the walls under the arches are four allegorical 
designs in basso relievo : that on the E. representing Dissolu- 
tion or Secession, illustrated in the breaking of the fasces or 
bundle of rods, wMle on the one side lies cotton, and on the 
other corn, the rival products of the opposing sections of the 
country. On the S. is the same figure as War, with the en- 
gines of strife. On the W. the bundle of rods are again 



94 SENATE EXTENSION. 

miited, with the motto E Pluribus Unum and eagle. On the 
N. the implements of war are being destroyed and exchanged 
for peace. The centre-piece of the ceiling represents Re- 
construction. The W. door of the reception-room opens into 
the vestibule of the Senate lobby. On the 1., descending 
to the basement, is b, private staircase^ with a bronze railing, 
formed of entwining vines and foliage, relieved with eagles, 
deer, and cupids. A similar staircase occupies a correspond- 
ing place on the W. side of the lobby. These, including two 
connecting witli the lobby of the Hall of the Representatives 
in the S. Extension cost nearly $22,500. They are elaborate 
and artistic specimens bronze-work, and in a part of the 
building too dark to enable their merits to be fully appre- 
ciated. They were manufactured by Archer, Warner & 
Miskey, of Philadelphia. 

During the sessions of the Senate admission to the Senate 
lobby can only be obtained through a Senator. This, how- 
ever, is not in strict accordance with the rules of the body. 
When the Senate is not in session the lobby is open to the 
public. The lobby is a vaulted passage, with gilt panels and 
cornice. A chandelier makes up the deficiency of daylight. 
On the 1. are two doors, leading to the floor of the Senate 
Chamber. The first door on the r. opens into the room as- 
signed to the President of the Senate, generally known as 
the Vice PresidenVs Boom. It is a well-fiu-nished apartment, 
witli plain stuccoed ceilings and tinted walls. In this room 
is the original of Rembrandt PeaWs painting of Washington^ 
purcliased by tlie Senate. Permission to enter may be ob- 
tained from the President of the Senate. When not in use, 
visitors may be admitted througli the courtesy of the Ser- 
geant-at-Arms or one of tlie doorkeepers. 

Tlie second door on the r. of the lobby leads through a small 
passage or vestibule into the Marble or Senate Retiring Room. 
This elegant apartment is 38 ft. long, 21|ft. wide, and 19^ ft. 
high. The ceiling rests upon 4 Corinthian columns of Italian 
marble, and consists of massive polislied blocks of white mar- 
ble, forming deep panels. The walls throughout are of highly- 
polished Tennessee marble. In the panels of the walls are 
large plate-glass mirrors. Those at tlie ends produce a striking 
eftect. In the E. and W. walls are niches. Tw^o of tliese 
contain lieads of Indian chiefs, executed in marble. The floors 
are of encaustic tiles. The room is handsomely furnished, 
and, without question, is the finest apartment of the kind in 
the world. There is a fine view of tlie N. portions of the city 
from the windows. In front is IST. Capitol St., and the diverg- 
ent avs. are Delaware, inclining towards the E., and New 
Jersey, towards the W. 



SENATE EXTENSION. 95 

Leaving the room by the W. door, we again enter the Sen- 
ate lobby. Passing out of this into the vestibule, on the 1. is 
the W. private staircase to the basement, the same as the one 
already described at the E. end of the lobby. On the r. is the 
Presidents Boom, assigned to tlie use of the President of the 
United States on his visits to the Capitol. This room is rarely 
used except on the last days of the session of Congress, when 
the President, with his secretaries and Cabinet ministers, as- 
semble there to expedite the business of legislation, the Pres- 
ident signing such bii Is passed by the Senate and House of 
Representatives as meet his approval. 

Tlie walls and ceiling of this room are richly and appropri- 
ately decorated. On the S. wall, under the arch of the ceil- 
ing, is a portrait of Washington — a copy from Rembrandt 
Peale's — with a reclining female figure on either side : that on 
the r. representing Victory, who holds a sliield, bearing the 
inscription, Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, and 
Yorktown. Tlie figure on the 1. Peace, witli a laurel wreath. 
On the four walls are medallion portraits of Washington's 
first Cabinet: S., Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State; E., 
Henry Knox, Secretarj'^ of War, and Alexander Hamilton, 
Secretary of the Treasiu-y ; W., Edmund Randolph, Attorney 
General, and S. Osgood, Postmaster General. Under the 
cornice are a nunber'of small copper-colored medallions, rep- 
resenting the coats of arms of the States. The rest of the 
walls are artistically decorated in arabesques. Overhead are 
four corner-pieces in fresco : the first of Columbus, with a 
globe and early instruments of navigation, representing Dis- 
covery ; likeness from a portrait in Mexico. Diagonally oppo- 
site, Americus Vespuccius, with charts and telescope. Explo- 
ration, from a painting in Florence. William Brewster, with 
an open Bible, representing Religion ; and diagonally opposite, 
Benjamin Franklin, with manuscript and printing-press, or 
Histor5\ Four medallion pieces between these represent 
Religion, Libertj^ Legislation, and Executive. The medal- 
lion from which the chandelier is suspended is enriched with 
three infant figures, supporting an American flag. The ceilings 
are further embellished. The entire decoration'is by Brumidi. 
The room is the most i-ichly decorated in the United States. 
The floors are beautifully tiled. There are three large mir- 
rors in the Avails. In winter the room is richly carpeted and 
furnished. 

At the end of the corridor continuing W. from the lobby is 
a screw elevator^ beautifully designed and luxuriously furnish- 
ed, for the use of Senators. It runs from the basement to the 
corridors of the second floor, and is fitted up with a double 
engine : cost $10,000. Turning to the 1., after leaving the 



96 SENATE EXTENSION. 

W^ vestibule of the corridor, tlie rooms on the r. are occupied 
by the Secretary of tlie Senate and tlie various clerks of the 
body. 

On the same side is the W. Staircase^ in white marble. 
The design is the same as the E. one, already described, and 
leads dh'ectly to the gentlemen's and reporters' galleries. 
The view of this staircase, looking upwards from tlie first 
landing of the steps leading to the basement, is supremely 
beautiful. The highly-polished white-marble blockings, en- 
tablatures, steps, balustrades, and columns, with their exquis- 
itely-wrought capitals, of the same material, strike the eye 
with the magnificence of its architectural design and execu- 
tion. The light thrown in from above adds to the charm of 
the scene which greets the vision. The sombre hue of the 
Tennessee marble employed in the E. staircase, though pre- 
senting a richer appearance, does not eflectively bring out 
the beauties of workmanship bestowed upon these striking 
features of the interior fitting of the Capitol Extensions. 

Opposite the foot of the staircase, in a niche, on the main 
floor, is the statue of JoJrn Hancock, President of the Conti- 
nental Congress which signed and promulgated the Declara- 
tion of Independence, 1776. The statue is semi-heroic ; exe- 
cuted in 1860, in marble, by Horatio Stone ; cost $5,500. 

At the head of the first flight of steps against the W. wall 
is the Storming of ChapuUepec, by Walker, IST. Y. Ordered 
in 1860, cost $6,000. This painting was originally intended 
for the room of the Committee on* Military Aftairs. It rep- 
resents the storming of the castle of Chapultepec, Sept. 13, 
1847, by the American army, under Gen. Scott. The castle, 
one of the defenses of the city of Mexico, crowned an emi- 
nence 900 ft. high, and was taken bj^ means of scaling-lad- 
ders. The particular moment of the conflict is the consulta- 
tion between Gen. Quitman and several of the officers of the 
advance division. The batteries at the foot of the liill were 
taken, and the approach to the city by the aqueduct lay open. 
The hill-side is already occupied by the United States rifles. 
Gen, Quitman, mounted, appears on the 1. of the painting. 
Gen. Shields is without his coat, and wounded. Near at hand 
are Lieuts. Wilcox and Towers, of the engineers. On the 1. 
stands a section of Drum's battery. In the rear, advancing 
to the support of Casey's troops, are the Pennsylvania, New 
York, and South Carolina volunteers, bearing their State 
colors, and commanded by Geary, Baxter, and Gladden. 
Xicontenca, the Mexican commander, is Idlled. Gen. Per- 
sifor P. Smith, with the rifles, confronts the enemy's breast- 
works, and points to the retreating Mexicans, who are fleeing 
by the aqueduct. The filling of the picture represents ofli- 



THE GALLERIES. V i 

cers hurryino; to and fro, a few Mexican soldiers surrenderino-. 
and wounded and slain strewn around. An aloe is charac- 
teristic of the vegetation of the country. Tlie artist was 
pursuing his profession in Mexico wiien tlie war broke out, 
but escaped to the American lines, and joined tlie army as an 
Interpreter, returning in 1848 to the United States. 

The S. corridor corresponds with the lobby on the N. 
side of the Chamber, and is intersected by the connecting 
range between the Senate Extension and the main building. 
In this corridor, opposite the S. entrance to the Senate Cham- 
ber, stands an old clock, long in use by the body, but with 
no special historic associations. The deep windows on the 
N. side of the corridor, opening into the Senate cloak rooms, 
are arranged for statuary. In the recess of the E. one of 
this line stands a bust of Thomas H. Benton, a Senator from 
Missouri, by Stone. With the exception of the E. vestibule, 
which is marble, the floors throughout are paved with en- 
caustic tile of elegant design. 

The Galleries, — The second floor of the Senate Extension is 
occupied by corridors, the inner sides of which are pierced 
with 12 doors, leading into the Senate Galleries^ and the 
outer sides bounded on the E. and W. by committee rooms ^ 
and the N". by retiring rooms for ladies in the E. end, and 
representatives of the press in the W. On the S, is the con- 
necting range, occupied by the Senate document room. On 
either "side of this are windows, which look out upon the 
main building. These corridors are reached by the E. and 
W. staircases, already described. The walls are of a simple 
tint, with variations of stucco. The ceilings are vaulted, 
and are enlivened with stucco work of various designs, blended 
mth symbolic figures. Over the main E. vestibule is a spa- 
cious hally surmounted by a beautiful arch, in the centre of 
which is a skylight. Adjoining "this, and over the Senate 
reception room, in the KE. part of the Extension, is another 
hall of similar design. Both lead into the ladies' galleries. 
The second also opens into the ladies'' retiring room— a. hand- 
somely-furnished apartment, fitted up with two Tennessee 
marble mantels, with mirrors and every convenience . Like the 
first floor, the second is paved with encaustic tiles throughout-. 

With this preliminary knowledge of the varied attractions 
in art and architecture of the N. Extension of the Capitol, 
before visiting the basement the visitor should step into the 
gallery, and at his leisure study the wonders and beauties of 
the Hall of the Senators. The accompanying diagram of 
desks will enable him, during the session of the body, to 
place any of the Senators. 
7 



98 



SENATE CHAMBER. 




1 



DIAGRAM OF SENATE CHAMBER. 

V. P. Vice President. S. Secretary. L. C. Legislative Clerk. C. C. ChieJ 
Clerk. M. C. Minute Clerk. S. Sergeant-at-Arms. D. Doorkeeper. R. Reporters. 



SENATORS. 



I W. G. Brownlow, Tenn. 
Z J. J. Ingails, Kan. 

3 F. T. Frelinghuysen, N. J. 

4 Simon Cameron, Penn. 

5 J. S. Morrill, Vt. 

6 H. B. Anthony, R. I. 

7 G. F. Edmunds, Vt. 

8 J. R. West, La. 

9 W. A. Buckingham, Conn. 

10 O. P. Morton, Ind. 

11 L. M. Morrill, Me. 

12 J. W. Flanagan, Tex. 
Ij P. Clayton, Ark. 

14 A. L Boreman, W.Va. 

15 P. W. Hitchcock, Neb. 

16 T. J. Robertson, S. C. 

17 J. J. Patterson, S. C. 

18 M. W. Ransom, N. C. 

19 S. B. Conover, Fla. 

20 S. W. Dorsey, Ark. 

21 W. B. Allison, Iowa. 

22 T. W. Tipton, Neb. 
2? T. W. Ferry, Mich. 

24 G. G. Wright, Iowa. 

25 O. S. Ferry, Conn. 

26 W. Windom, Minn. 

27 Carl Schurz, Mo. 

28 A. Ames, Miss. 

29 T. O. Howe, Wis. 
JO H. Hamlin, Me. 

31 R. Conkling, N. Y. 

32 John Scott, Penn. 

33 John Shermcn, Ohio. 

34 W. Sprague, R. I. 

35 A. Gilbert, Fla. 

36 J. L. Alcorn, Miss. 

37 A. A. Sargent, CaL 



38 W. T. Hamilton, Md. 

39 H. G. Davis, W. Va. 

40 J. F. Lewis, Va. 

41 J. B. Gordon, Ga. 

42 G. R. Dennis, Md. 

43 A. S. Merriman, N. C. 

44 

45 R Crozier, Kan. 

46 G. A. Boutwell, Mass. 

47 R. J. Oglesby, 111. 

48 J. H. Mitchell, Oregon. 

49 B. Wadleigh, N. H. 

50 D. D. Pratt, Ind. 

51 A. Ramsey, Minn. 

52 Z. Chandler, Mich. 

53 J. P. Jones, Nev. 

54 M. C. Hamilton, Texas. 

55 Charles Sumner, Mass. 

56 J. A. Logan, 111. 

57 R. E. Fenton, N. Y. 

58 A. H. Cragin, N. H. 

59 M. H. Carpenter, Wis. 

60 W. M. Stewart, Nev. 

61 G. E. Spencer, Ala. 

62 J. W. Stevenson, Ky. 

63 A. G. Thurman, Ohio. 

64 T. C. McCreery, Ky. 

65 T. F. Bayard, Del. 

66 H. Cooper, Tenn, 

67 J. P. Stockton, N. J. 

68 E. Saulsbury, Del. 

69 T. M. Norwood, Ga. 

70 J. W. Johnston, Va. 

71 J. K. Kelley, Oregon. 

72 L. V. Bogy, Mo. 

73 G. Goidthwaitc, Ala. 
74 



SENATE CHAMBER. 99 

Hall of the Senators, or Senate Chamber. — This magnificent 
apartment occupies the centre of the principal floor of the IST. 
Extension. It has an entrance for Senators from corridors 
on the E ., S., and W., and two from tlie lobby on the N. The 
occupation of tliis Chamber, devoted to tlie deliberations of 
the his^liest branch of the legislative arm of the Government, 
took place on Jan. 4, 1859. It is in the form of a parallelo- 
gram of the following dimensions : Length, 113^ ft. ; width, 
80| ft. ; height, 30 ft. ; superficial area of floor, 9,136 sq. ft. ; 
cubic contents, 328,536 cub. ft. The dimensions of the floor 
of the Chamber, exclusive of the cloak rooms and lobby, are 
83 ft. long and 51 ft. wide. On tlie E., W., and S. sides of 
the Chamber are the cloak rooms of Senators, and on the IST. 
the Senate lobby. Over these and around the Chamber are 
the galleries^ the seats rising and receding in tiers, till 
brought to a level with the corridors of the second floor, 
which are reached by two marble staircases. The portion 
of the I*^. Gallery over the back of the cliair of the President 
of the Senate is devoted to reporters of the press, local and 
general, being provided with about 40 desks, and seats for 
as many more. Directly opposite the reporters, in the S. 
Gallery, a number of seats are set apart for the diplomatic 
representatives. The galleries, from the reporters' to the 
diplomatic, on the S. side, are devoted exclusively to ladies^ 
and gentlemen accompanying them ; a portion foi' the exclu- 
sive use of the families of Senators. The coiTCspondlng 
galleries on the W. are for gentlemen. Tlie galleries will 
seat 1,200 persons. In the rear of the S., E., and W. Gal- 
leries are the communicating corridors. At the E. end of 
the N. corridor is the ladies'' retiring room — a luxurious 
apartment,' complete in all its appointments, communicat- 
ing with the ladies' galleries, and attended by a matron em- 
ployed by the Senate. In the rear of the reporters' gallery 
is the reporters' hat and retiring room and telegraph office. 
This is reached through a door connecting with the W. cor- 
ridor. These corridors form the second floor of the ISI . wing. 
The entrances to the galleries, during the sessions of Con- 
gress, are guarded by doorkeepers, whose duty it is to scat 
the people and to preserve order. 

On the^oor of the Chamber are seats for 74 Senators. The , 
aisles diverge from the President's "desk" like radii^from a 
centre. The desks are arranged in concentric semi-circles 
facing the N., with an iron railing investing the whole. The 
desks are made of the finest quality of mahogany, and the 
majority were in use in the old Senate Chamber. These 
were made a half century ago. 

The President's desk occupies a raised platform or dais. 



100 BASEMENT. 

At his back is a deep niche, and in front a broad desk, upon 
which lies the gavel when tlie body is in session. Immedi- 
ately below, on either side, are the seats of the Sergeant-at- 
Arms r., and Doorkeeper 1. At the desk in front, com- 
mencing on the 1., are tlie seats of the Secretary of the Senate, 
Legislative Clerk, Chief Clerk, and Minute Clerk, in the order 
given. The two seats on the floor in front and at either end 
are for the official reporters. These desks are of mahogany, 
in keeping with the rest of the furniture of the Hall. 

The flooi' is raised about 3 in. for each receding semi-circle 
of desks, and is pierced by numerous double ventilators^ reg- 
ulated with the feet, under each Senator's desk. These ven- 
tilators are fed from an air-chamber or reservoir beneath the 
floor, and supplied by fans and steam-coils in the basement 
with moistened air tempered from 68° to 70° winter, and from 
8° to 10° below the outside air in summer, and regulated by 
thermometers and hygrometers in ditferent parts of the 
chamber; these are examined at regular and brief intervals 
by the chief of the ventilating department. The contam- 
inated air passes through the trellis work of the outer range 
of panels in the ceiling and through spaces provided in the 
centre panels. A current of air from the ventilators below 
to those above is constantly passing through the Chamber. 
(See Ventilating Department.) 

The cei7m^ is a splendid specimen of taste and skill. It 
consists of immense cast-iron girders and transverse pieces, 
forming deep panels, 21 of which are glazed, each with a 
centre-piece symbolic of the Union, the Army, and Navy, 
Progress, and the Mechanical Arts. In addition to these, 
there is an outer row of 24 panels, with trellised centre for 
ventilation, and outside of all a row of deep caissons and 
circles, with a star in each. The entire frame rests on a 
heavy iron cornice. The iron work4throughout is bronzed, 
with gilt decorations. Tlie walls are richly painted, those 
supporting the galleries being laid off in panels. The walls 
back of the galleries are pierced by doors on each side. The 
doors are of bird's-eye maple, elaborately finished with foli- 
ated bronze ornaments. Niches for statuary are also sunk 
in the walls. The iron work was done by Janes, Beebe & Co. 

The hall by day is lighted through the paneled ceiling by 
means of the skylight in the roof. At night innumerable 
jets ranged above the ceiling around the glass panels, and 
supplied with gas and ignited by electricity, difl"use a soft 
light throughout the Chamber. 

Basement.— The basement of the Senate Extension is reach- 
ed by the steps beneath the E. and W. staircase. There are 



COMMITTEE ROOMS. 101 

two entrances from the outside, on the E. and N"., and a cor- 
ridor leadinoj the entire length of tlie building N. and S., 
with entrances at either end. The basement entrance has a 
double approach consisting of a vaulted carriageway and 
massive arcaded passagetor pedestrians, botli beneath the E. 
Portico. The door opens into a vestibule^ in which are eight 
immense marble piers, fom- on each side, with corresponding 
pilasters. These piers support the colonnade of the main 
vestibule, and afford, perhaps, the most striking example of 
the durability" and strengtli of the edifice. Under the arches 
of the ceiling is rich and appropriate decoration. Tlie walls 
are of scagliola. A colossal bust of Washington, by Beattie, 
is here. It is not the property of tlie Government. At the 
W. end of tliis vestibule are two doors, tlie one on the N". 
leading into a broad corridor, and on the S. to the basement 
foot of the E. staircase, also to the Senate Refectory, and the 
small door on 1. to the folding rooms and vaults in the sub- 
basement. The corridors of the basement present an inter- 
esting exhibition of the decorative art. The vaulted ceilings 
throughout are in distemper, and all below the spring of the 
arches in oil. The w^alls are paneled in the style of the 15th 
century, as emploj^ed in the Vatican at Rome, with centre 
medallions of illustrious Americans. The name of the per- 
son is also given. The ceilings are in the same style, with 
introductions of modern inventions. The decorations of the 
pilasters of all the corridors are recollections of the loggia of 
Raphael in the Vatican, with additions from the natural 
history of America. The birds, animals, and reptiles are 
studies from the collection in the Museum in the Smithsonian 
Institution. They were drawn by Brumidi, and painted by 
Leslie. The decoration of the basement commenced in 1855. 
The medallions and liner parts of the decoration are by Bru- 
midi, while the details are the workmanship of others. Op- 
posite the E. end of the IST. corridor is a fine fresco of Robert 
Fidton, the first to apply steam to the purposes of navigation. 
The likeness is from a portrait painted by Fulton himself, and 
now in the office of the Commissioner of Patents. The ceil- 
ing of the N. end of the W. corridor is embellished with the 
12 signs of the Zodiac. There are also several beautifully- 
finished landscapes, representing Day and Kight. 

Committee Kooms.— The finest apartments for the uses of 
the committees of the Senate are in the basement. They are 
not generally open to the public, though, when not officially 
occupied, there is no difficulty in getting a view of them, 
through a Senator, the Sergeant-at-Arms, or clerk of the 
committee. A rap at the door is frequently suflacient. Dur- 



102 COMMITTEE ROOMS. 

ing the adjournment, or a recess of the Senate, the Sergeant- 
at-Arms, whose otRce is m the NE. corner of the buikUng, 
main floor, and who has possession of the keys, will afford 
visitors an opportunity to see these rooms. The most inter- 
esting to visitors are the — 

Room of the Committee on Military Affairs — W. side of W. 
corridor, N. of W. staircase ; name over the door. Ceilings 
frescoed with victors' wreaths, shields, and other emblems of 
war. Panels of walls and pilasters represent arms and armor 
of diffei'ent periods, nations, and races, ancient and modern. 
The pilasters were painted by Leslie. The sword across the 
shield in the centre pilaster is a copy of the sword of AVash- 
ington. On the W. wall is a medallion head of Liberty, sur- 
rounded by flags and weapons of war. Under the spring of 
the arches are 5 historic subjects, in fresco, by Brumidi : N., 
Boston Massacre, 1770. S., Battle of Lexington, 1775. N"., 
Death of Wooster, during the British invasion of Connecti- 
cut, 1777. S., Washington at Valley Forge, 1778. The three 
prominent figures in the foreground are Washington, with 
Lafayette on his 1. and Gen. Green on r. E., Storming of 
Stony Point by Anthony Wayne, 1779. Wayne, wounded, 
is being carried into the fort. 

Room of the Committee on Naval Affairs, adjoining the 
above on the N., name over the door. The general design of ' 
the decorations is Pompeian. The principal features of the 
ceilings are fresco representations of marine gods and god- 
desses and the figure of an attractive Indian female. Under 
the spring of the arches are representations of ancient porti- 
cos with antique vessels. The walls, painted in oil, are divided 
into nine panels, with blue background and figures represent- 
ing the attributes of the navy as centre-pieces ; the entire 
room executed by Brumidi. The pilasters are scagliola, by 
French artists. 

The Roomot the Indian Committee, on the E. side, at the S. 
end of the same corridor, and originally intended for the use 
of the Committee on Agriculture, is decorated with American 
vines and fruits. The foliage is specially well executed. The 
ceiling is distemper and the walls oil ; executed by Castens, 
a German. At the E. end of the N. corridor, on the 1., is the 
Room of the Committee on Foreign Relations. On the ceiling, 
in distemper, are four well-executed eagles, and under the 
arches, in oil, four medallions, containing'profiles of chairmen 
of the committee : Clay IST., Allen S., Cameron E., Sumner W. 
The medallions are by Brumidi, and the rest of the room by 
Castens. The Judiciary/ Committee Room, on the same corridor, 
and that on the Library, are also beautifully finished. Under 
the arches of the basement, connecting range, are medallions 



OFFICIAL TEIiEGRAPH. 103 

of Patrick Henry, Jefferson, and Madison, E. side ; and Han- 
cock, J. Q. Adams, and Henry Laurens, W. side. 

All the committee rooms in this Extension are rielily fur- 
nished. Tlie name of the committee is on or over the door 
of each. The inner rooms are devoted to the storage of pub- 
lic documents. At the W. end of IST. corridor is the elevator. 

Heating and Ventilating.— The Senate heating and venti- 
lating apparatus occupies a number of vaults in the sub-base- 
ment of the SW. poi-tion of the Senate Extension. It is always 
open to visitors, and may be reached tln-ough the lirst door in 
the ]S^. wall of the passage leading W., at the basement foot 
of tlie W. staircase, S. side. There are 4 fans : 2 for air and 
2 exhaust ; 4 boilers, 3 engines, 2 steam-pumps, 1 for attic 
tank and 1 for boilers ; 18 miles of steam-pipes in the entire 
Extension ; 1 vaporizer, 2 descending shafts from the loft of 
the Senate Chamber, and 1 ascending shaft into the open air, 
the outlet at the base of the Dome. The principal air-sliaft 
enters from the glacis of tiie first terrace in the W. Park, 220 
ft. from the building, tlie air being drawn in by a fan, and 
forced through a main air-duct into the air-space under the 
floor of tlie Senate, and tlie nee into the Chamber by means 
of registers. A branch air-duct communicates with the gal- 
leries. The supply of fresh air is 30,000, and exhaust 40,000 
cubic ft. a minute. The original apparatus was designed by 
Capt. M. C. Meigs, and the exhaust and other improvements 
by H. F. Hayden, Chief Engineer U. S. Senate. The engineer 
in charge will explain the principle. While here it would be 
interesting to inspect the foundation walls of the building. 
Also inquire for the entrance to the pneumatic tube on the 
N". side, and designed to connect the Capitol and the Gov- 
ernment Printing Ofiice, and for the elevator engine. 

Official Telegraph.— In the hall, at the E. end of the N". 
corrider of the basement, is the office of the Government 
Telegraph line, connecting the Capitol with the Executive 
Departments and Government Printing Office. The wires 
leave the building and cross the Capitol Grounds by a subter- 
ranean cable, and thence on poles along N. Capitol st. to the 
Government Priiiting Office ; thence along G st. I^. to the 
Interior, Post Office, and Ti-easury Dei>artments and Attor- 
ney General's Office. From the Treasury Department they 
pass over the White House to the War and Navy Depart- 
ments, and by a single wire to the State Department, via 
17th St. W., Vermont av., and 14th st. N". It is proposed to 
extend them to embrace all the isolated Bureaus, Navy-yard, 
and Arsenal. The line was constructed in 1873, by G. C. 
Maynard, under authority of an act of Congress. From the 



104 THE UNDERCROFT. 

Senate Extension the wires are conveyed under the arches of 
the sub-basement of the building to the House office. 

N. Wing Basement. — Instead of returning to the main 
floor, the visitor should follow the central corridor towards 
the S. In the main building on the r. are the Senate bath- 
rooms. On the 1. of the arched substruction of the elliptical 
vestibule is a passage into a vestibule, from which the door 
on tlie 1. enters the Law Ijibrary. The staircase leads to the 
vestibule N. of the Rotunda, on the main floor. 

Law Library. — This apartment is semi-circular, with an 
arched recess towards the W., and a colonnade recess on the 
E., back of which are the only windows. An arcade passage 
runs around the sweep of the circle, supporting a domical 
ceiling of masonry, resting on heavy Doric columns, covering 
the entire room. The ceiling is groined upon the surround- 
ing arches. In the tympanum of the W. arch, in the recess, 
is a plaster relief, by Franzoni, representing a figure of Jus- 
tice, and by her side Fame, crowned with a rising sun and 
pointing to the Constitution of the United States. The col- 
umns and piers of the arches of this room are heavy Doric. 
Some alterations were made on the original design of this 
room, owing to the fall of the vaulted ceiling, the result of 
defective construction. This led to the introduction of the 
columns, which have added greatly to the appearance of 
solidit}^ and has materially strengthened that part of the 
building. The alcoves for the books are arranged on the W. 
Returning to the corridor and continuing S. we enter 

The Orypt. — This inteiTcsting part of the basement of the 
Capitol may also be entered beneath the central Portico or 
W. door of basement. The Crypt presents a circular space, 
consisting of a treble colonnade, containing 40 Doric columns 
of the proportions of those of the Temple of Paestum, sur- 
mounted by groined arches running in radii direction, and 
supporting the floor of the Rotunda. The star in the pave- 
ment under the central arch denotes the exact center of the 
Capitol. 

The Undercroft.— Beneath the Crypt is the Undercroft, or 
vault, originally designed for the sarcophagus containing the 
remains of Washington. The key is in the room on r. of 
1. corridor, at the foot of the steps descending from the W. 
door of the Crypt. An attache of tlie office will lead the 
way. The Undercroft is cruciform and arched. The square 
portion is 10 ft. In the centre of the crowning arch is a star, 
not distinguishable, however, which marks the exact centre 
of the immense pile above. In the vault is portion of the 



NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 105 

bier on which the remains of President Lincohi, Thaddeus 
Stevens, and Chief Justice Chase lay in state. 

Upon learning of the deatli of Washington, Congress, 
Dec. 24, 1799, passed resolutions appropriate to the sad 
event, and provided tliat a marble monument should be 
erected by the United States in the Capitol at Washington. 
The President was authorized to request the wife of the de- 
parted patriot to permit his body to be deposited under it. 
The monument was to be so *•' designed as to commemorate 
the great events of his military and political life." In re- 
sponse to the letter of the President, Mrs. Washington thus 
trans mitted her assent : 

"Taught by the great example I have so long had before 
me, never to oppose my j)rivate wishes to the public will, I 
must consent to the request of Congress, which joii had the 
goodness to transmit to me ; and in doing this I need not — 
I cannot — say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to 
a sense of public duty." 

The wish of Congress was not earned out, and a subse- 
quent request of the same character, in connection with the 
National Monument, was declined. 

Returning to the Crypt, it would be well to take a view of 
the substruction of tlie central Portico from the W. door. 
Leaving the Crypt by the S. door, the visitor enters a small 
octagonal vestibule, beyond which are document and folding 
rooms. The door to the 1. leads into another vestibule, of 
beautiful design, containing a stairway, into a circular vesti- 
bule on the main floor, communicating K. with the S. door 
of the Rotunda, and S. with the N'ational Statuary Hall. 
This vestibule is crowned by a dome and cupola, and resem- 
nles a Greek temple. The capitals of the columns are orna- 
mented witli the leaf of the cotton plant, instead of the acan- 
thus. This vestibule corresponds with that on the N. side. 
It is suggested that the visitor here ascends to the main floor, 
and turning to the 1. or S. enters the 

ITational Statuary Hall. — The Kational Statuary Hall, for- 
merlj^ used as the place of meeting of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, is Grecian in design, having been planned and 
adapted, by Latrobe, after the remains of the Theatre at Ath- 
ens. It consists of a semi-chcle of 96 ft. chord. The <'iids 
of the prostyle and peristyle are separated by a wide project- 
ing surface of freestone, which rises to the tof) of the order 
and supports a segment arch, which corresponds with the 
segment of the vaulted ceiling that crowns the hall and ends 
against it. To the top of the entablature blocking is 35 ft., 
and to the apex of the domed ceiUng 57 ft. The semi-peri- 



106 NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 

Style or circular colonnade on the N". is composed of 14 col- 
umns and 2 antae, of the Corinthian order ; the shafts of solid 
blocks of variegated marble or breccia, quarried from the 
banks of tlie Potomac, above the city. The bases are free- 
stone. The capitals are of Carrara marble, executed in Italy, 
and designed after those in tlie Temple of Jupiter Stator at 
Rome — Hadtield says after the capitals of the Lantern of De- 
mos at Athens. Tlie entablature is of the proportions used 
in the former temple, ornamented with dentils and modil- 
lons, enriched with leaves and roses. Tlie floor is of marble. 
A paneled dome springs overhead. The apex of the dome 
is pierced by a circular aperture, crowned by a lantern, serv- 
ing the double purpose of light and ventilation. The dome 
is similar to that of the Panl;heon at Rome. On the S. side 
of the hall, forming the loggia, are 8 columns and 2 anta3 of 
the same style as the peristyle. Over the entablature of this 
colonnade springs a beautiful 72 ft. chord. On the blocking 
of the cornice beneath is a figure of Liberty^ in plaster, by 
Caucici, 1829, originally intended for execution in marble. 
The figure, seen from the gallaries in front, produces a strik- 
ing effect, and is in every respect worthy of the pupil of the 
great Canova. On the r. is the frustum of a column, around 
which a serpent, the emblem of wisdom, is entwining itself, 
and at the feet of the figiu-e is an American eagle. In the 
frieze of the entablature, under this figure, is sculptured an 
eagle in stone, with outspread wings, the work of Valaperti, 
and of very superior merit. The gallery over the loggia was 
set apart for the ladies, having cushioned seats for the accom- 
modation of 200 persons : the general gallery would seat 500. 
Over the N. door stands an exquisitely designed and beauti- 
fully executed clock in marble, by Chas. Franzoni, 1830. His- 
tory, her drapery floating in the air, is represented as standing 
in the winged car of Time and recording passing events. The 
car is placed on a globe, on which, in basso relievo^ are cut 
the signs of the zodiac. The hours are marked on the face of 
the wheel of the car. 

In July, 1864, a paragraph in an appropriation bill passed 
by Congress authorized the President of the United States 
to invite each and all the States to furnish statues, in marble 
or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each State, of 
deceased persons who have been citizens thereof and illustri- 
ous for their historic renown, or for distinguished civic or mili- 
tary service, as the States determine, worthy of this national 
commemoratioix, when so furnished to be placed in the old 
Hall of the House of Representatives, in the Capitol of the 
United States, which is set apart for a National Statuary 
HaU. 



NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 107 

It is to be regretted that so many years have already been 
permitted to pass with so small a recognition of the grandeur 
of this projected National Gallery. 

Tlie State contributions in the order received are — 

KiiODE Island — Major General Nathaniel Greene^ a dis- 
tinguished officer of the Kevolution. Marble, by H. K. Brown. 
Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island and promoter of 
civil and religious liberty in America. Marble, by Simmons. 

Connecticut — Jonathan Trunibull, an eminent patriot of 
the llevolution. From him the term '"Brother Jonathan," 
as apphed to the United States, originated. Marble, by Ives. 
Bogcr Sherman, one of the committee to draft the Declara- 
tion of Independence and signer of the same, member of 
the Constitutional Convention, and a Senator of the United 
States. Marble, by Ives, 1870. 

New York — George Clinton, a statesman and officer of 
the Revolution, Governor of New York, Vice President of 
the United States 1805-1813. Bronze, by H. K. Brown, 1873. 
Edward Livingston, Secretary of State 1831-1833 . Now being 
executed in Italy. Marble, by Palmer. 

The following contributions have been ordered : 

New Jersey — Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, a Senator of the United States. Mar- 
ble, by H. K. Brown. Nearly ready. Major General Philip 
Kearney, an officer of the Army of the United States. Killed 
m the rebellion of 1861-'6o. Bronze, by H. K. Brown. 
Nearly ready. 

In addition to the State contributions, the Hall also con- 
contains a plaster cojjy of the statue of George Washington at 
Richmond, by Iloudon, 1788, representing the Father of his 
Country in civil attire, with a statl' in his hand, his cloak and 
sword resting on a bundle of rods, and with a rude plow in 
the rear. The original was ordered by the General Assembly 
of Va. A bust of Abraham Lincoln, marble, by jMi-s. Ames, 
1868, $2,000, mounted on a beautiful pedestal of Aberdeen 
gi-anite, presented to the Fortieth Congress; a -bust of T. 
Kosciusko, the Pole, in marble, by Saunders, 1857, $500; 
bust of Thomas Crauford, sculptor; the superb statue of 
Alexander Hamilton, in marble, by Horatio Stone, 1868, 
$10,000 ; statue of Abraham Lincoln, by Miss Ream, 1866, 
$15,000; and 11 Penser^oso, a female figure, executed in mar- 
ble, by Mozier, $2,000. The general collection of statuary 
will doubtless be enlarged from time to time. 

The beginning of a collection of paintings has also been 
made. In the panel at the E. end of the prostyle is Thomas 
Moran's celebrated painting of the Grand Cafion of the 
Yellowstone, purchased by Congress in 1872 for $10,000. In 



108 HOUSE EXTENSION. 

the opposite panel is a life-size portrait of Henry Clay^ by 
John Neagle, 1843, $500, and portraits of Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton, by Chester Harding; one of Gunnmg Bedford^ 
a member of the Constitutional Convention from" Delaware, 
presented; one of Joshua R. Giddings^ by Miss Ransom, 
$1,000; and a mosaic of Abraham Lincoln^ by Salviati, of 
Venice, a manufacturer. 

It is proposed also to fit up this Hall with upper and lower 
galleries, with panels and niches, the former to be occupied 
by portraits of Speakers of the House of Representatives. 

When the Hall was occupied by the House, the Speaker's 
chair stood on the S. side, upon an open rostrum about four 
feet above the floor, enclosed by a bronze balustrade. Rich 
crimson curtains fell in elegant folds from the capitals of the 
columns, and were separated so as to form luxurious dra- 
peries as a background to the chair and rostrum. Below and 
in front of the Speaker's rostrum stood the Clerk's desk, 
raised on a variegated socle. Upon this stood a rich mahog- 
any table, with damask silk curtains. This platform was 
reached by steps on either side. Between the columns were 
sofas and accommodations for twenty reporters. 

The members' desks, of mahogany, with arm chairs, Avere 
arranged in concentric circles, the aisles forming radii from 
the centre. The Hall was arranged for 232 members. In the 
rear of the outer row of desks was a bronzed iron railing with 
curtains, constituting the bar of the House. Outside of this 
was the lobby. The panels on eitlier side of the ladies' gal- 
lery contained full-length portraits of Washington by Van- 
derlyn, and Lafayette by Ary Scheffer, a present from the 
distinguished Frencinnan upon his last visit to the United 
States. These are now in the House of Representatives. 
Under these were copies of the Declaration of Independence, 
in frames emblematically ornamented. At night the Hall was 
lighted by "solar gas" from a chandelier at the apex of the 
dome. This Hall was occupied by Congress for 32 years. 
During the -first days of the Rebellion, 18(31-'6o, troops were 
quartered in it. In 1862 it was used as a hospital for the sick 
and wounded of the army ; and in 1864, by act of Congress, 
was set apart for its present appropriate purpose. 

South or " House " Extensiou. — The S. door of the National 
Statuary Hall opens into a broad corridor, which constitutes 
the beginning of the S. Extension of the Capitol, devoted en- 
tirely to the uses of the House of Representatives, the lower 
brauch of the Congress of tlie United States. This portion 
of the building corresponds, in its general features, witli the 
Senate Extension, the larger size of the Hall of the Repre- 



HOUSE EXTENSION. 109 

sentatives constituting the only difference. The E. staircase^ 
the same as tlie Senate, leads to the galleries for diplomatic 
representatives and families of members of Congress. At the 
foot, is the Statue of Jefferson, by Powers, 1863, $10,000, ex- 
ecuted in Italy, very superior. Opposite, over the first land- 
ing, is an equestrian poHrait of General Winfeld Scott, by 
Troye, (not owned by the Government,) painted for the Vir- 
ginia legislatiu-e, the rebellion breaking out before it w^as de- 
livered. The main entrance into the vestibule beyond will be 
fitted with a bronze door, the designs of which were prepared 
by Crawford, sculptor of the Senate door, previous to his 
death, and executed, in model, by Rhinehart, $9,000, and are 
now stored in the building. The door will represent scenes 
in the life of Washington. The vestibule consists of 8 fluted 
columns in couples, with capitals enriched with acanthus, to- 
bacco, and corn leaves. In the walls are niches. On the 1. 
of the S. corridor is the Members^ Retiring Room, now used by 
the Official Reporters. The lobby beyond and the floor of the 
Hall are open to the public during a recess or adjournment. 
At other times a member of the House can pass \isitors into 
the former. The rules of the House designate those privi- 
leged to tlie floor. The lobby has an iron-paneled ceiling, 
decorated in oil, after the style of the 15th century. On the 
r. the doors open mto the Hall, and on the 1. is the Sergeant- 
ai'Arms'' Room, in which the Mace is kept when the House of 
Representatives is not in session. The Speaker'' s Room, next 
on the 1., is entirely finished in iron, enriched with gilt. The 
furniture and fittings are extremely fine. On the walls are 
engravings or photographs of the S]:)eakers. On the 1. of the 
W. corridor are the Offices of the House. On the same cor- 
ridor is the W. staircase, the same as on the E. At the foot 
is tlie head of Bee-she-kee, The Buffalo, a Chippewa warrior 
from the sources of the Mssissippi, from nature by F. Yin- 
centi, 1854; copied in bronze by Joseph Lassalle, 1858. Op- 
posite, over the first landing, is Westward Ho, a chromo-silica, 
by Emanuel Leutze, 1862, $20,000. The best view is from 
the balustrade at the top of the staircase. The painting rep- 
resents an emigi-ant train crossing the Rocky Moimtains. The 
figures are excellent, and the face of nature in those high al- 
titudes is faithfully portrayed. A guide to these wild regions 
leads the way. The faces of the travel-worn emigrants beam 
with hope. In the distant valley in the rear is an emigrant 
camp. The snow-clad peaks and rugged rocks all appear in 
their wild sublimity. Above are the words "Westward the 
Course of Empire takes it way," and below is the "Golden 
Gate," the entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. The 
entire picture is surrounded by an appropriate border. In 



110 



HALL OF THE HOUSE. 

•« r 1^1 — H »- 




MEMBERS or THE HOUSE. 



in 



REPRESENTATIVES. 









East Side. 








1 A. R. Cotton 


lowai 


39 C. A. Eldredge 


Wis 


77 T. 8. Ashe 


N.C. 


115 3. A. Smith 


v« 


2 J. W. Begole 


Mich; 


40 W. R. Roberts 


N.Y. 


78 J. H. Sloss 


Ala 


116 W. Townsend 


Pa 


3 W. H. Lamport 


N. Y. 1 


41 P. Cook 


Ga 


79 T. T. Critt«nden 


Mo 


117 L. K. Bass 


N.T. 


4- J. G. Scl.umaker 


N. Y. 


42 W. J. O'Brien 


Md 


80 J. D. Young 


Ky 


118 A. F. Pike 


N. H. 


6 A. H. Willie 


Tex 


43 W. S. Holman 


Ind 


81 W. E. Niblack 


ina 


119 1. R. Sherwood 


0. 


6 M. Sayler 


0. 


44 S. Aroher 


Md 


82 R. M. Knapp 


111 


120 W. H. Bamum 


Conn 


7 W. P. McLean 


Texl 


45 C. Pelham 


Ala 


83 J. T. Harris 


Va 


121 




8 T. i^wann 


Mdi 


46 D. M. De Witt 


N.Y. 


84 J. C. Robinson 


HI 


122 




9 H. W. Parker 


N. H. 


47 J. R. Lofland 


Del 


65 E. Perry 


N.Y. 


123 W. S. Moore 


Pa 


10 J. B. Storm 


Pa 


48 T. J. Creamer 


N.Y. 


86 Hiester Clymer 


Pa 


124 M. K. Armstrong Dak 


11 R. M. Speer 


Pa 


49 J. R. Eden 


Ill 


87 C. N. Lamison 


0. 


125 ^ 




12 A. H. Stephen* 
18 H. B. Smith 


Ga 


50 G. Barrere 


III 


88 F. Hereford 


W. V. 


126 




N.Y. 


51 J. Q. Smith 


0. 


89 E. Wells 


Mo 


127 N. P. Chlnman 


B.C. 


14 J. Cohum 


Ind 


52 D. W. Gooch 


Mass 


90 H. L. Pierce 


Mass rZS W.E.Arthur 


Ky 


15 I. W. Scudder 


N.J. 


53 S. Hooper 


Mass 


91 C. Hays 


Ala 129 J. H. Caldwell 


Ala 


16 S. S. Cox 


N.Y. 


54 M. Rawls 


Ga 


92 J. H. "Piatt, Jr 


Va 


130 S. J. Randall 


Pa 


17 J. B. Clarke, Jr. 


Mo 


55 H. P. Bell 


Ga 


93 J. R. Hawley 


Conn 


131 J. W. Nesmith 


Ore 


18 A. H. Buckner 


Mo; 


56 H. R. Harris 


Ga 


94 S. F. Hersey 


Me 


132 H. B. Banning 


0. 


19 R. B. Vance 


N.C. 


57 A. Comingo 


Mo 


95 G. Willard 


Mich 


i:!3 S. K. Wolfe 


Ind 


20 A. White 


Ala| 


58 J. M. Glover 


Mo 


96 H. W. Barry 


Miss 


134 J. D. Young 


Ky 


21 DeW. C. Gi.Jdinga 


Tex 


59 M. J. Durham 


Ky 


97 J. H. mount 


Ga 


135 J. K. Luttrell 


Cal 


as W. S. Herndon 


Tex 


60 A. Mitchell 


Wis 


98 E. D. Standeford 


Ky 


136 J. M. Bright 


Tenn 


28 J. D. C. Atkins 


Tenn: 


61 W. B. Read 


^d 


99 C. W. MlUiken 


Ky 


137 L. Todd 


Pa 


24 G. M. Adam3 


Ky 


62 L. T. Neal 


100 C. W. Kendall 


Nev 


138 E. Hnnton 


Va 


25 J. Hancock 


Tex 


63 R. Hamilton 


N.J. 


101 S. S. Marshall 


111 


139 A. M. DaTis 


Va 


28 J. M. Pendleton 


R. L' 


64 M. I. Southard 


0. 


102 R. Q. Mills 


Tex 


140 R. T. Bowen 


Va 


27 J. W. KiUinger 


Pa 


65 F. Wood 


N.Y. 


103 J. A. Magee 

104 P. M. B. Young 


Pa 


141 A. R. Howe 


Miss 


28 D. A. Nunn 


Tenn 


66 R. P. Bland 


Mo 


Ga 


142 J. Hailey 


Id.T. 


29 C.St John 


N.Y. 


67 J. Wilson 


Iowa 


1(6 R. A. Hatcher 


Mo 


143 L. A. Sheldon 


La 


80 C. L. Cobb 


N.C. 


68 E. R. Hoar 


Mass 


106 E.Crossland 


Ky 


144 F. G. Bromberg 


Ala 


81 H. Maynard 


Tenn 


69 S. W. Kellogg 


Conn 


107 W.C.Whitthome 


Tenn 


145 R. C. McCormick Ar.T. 


82 L. B. ijunckel 


0. 


70 C. C. Sheats 


Ala 


108 J.O.Whitehouse 


N.Y. 


146 W. R. .«teele 


W^.T. 


83 A. H. -mith 


Pa 


71 W. G. Doanan 


Iowa 


109 W. R. Morrison 


Ill 


147 0. B. McFadden Wi.T. 


84 T. \Yhitehead 


Va 


72 E. K. Wilson 


Md 


110 F. Morey 


La 


148 G. y. Cannan 


V. T. 


85 W. M. Robbing 


N.C. 


73 M. W. Field 


Mich 


ni C. B. Farwell 


111 


149 P. Clarke 


N.Y. 


36 J. M. Leach 


N.C. 


74 J. Berry 


0. 


112 W. H. Stone 


Mo 


150 M. Maginnis 


M.T. 


87 L. Q. C. Lamar 


Miss 


75 J. McNulta 


Ill 


113 C. N. Kotter 


N.Y. 


151 J. B. Sener 


Va 


38 J. B. Beck 


Ky 


76 A. M. WaddeU 


N. C.ill4 H.J. Jewett 


0. 










West Side. 






• 1 0. P. Snyder 


Ark 


39 G. W. Hendeo 


Vtj 77 W. Lousthridee 


Iowa 


115 E. Hale 


Me 


2 C. Clayfon 


Cal 


40 J. M. Wilson 


Ind 


78 W. Crutchfield 


Tenn 


116 S. Hooper 


Mass 


8 A. S. Wallace 


S. C. 


41 G. W. McCrary 


Iowa 


79 D. P. Lowe 


Kan 


117 J. A. Garfield 


0. 


4 H.H. Starkweather Conn 


42 H. L. Dawes 


Mass 


80 H. B. Sayler 


Ind 


118 R. C. Parsons 


0. 


6 J. Cessna 


Pa 


43 B. T. Eames 


R. I. 


81 J.D. s-tra«bridg« 


Pa 


119 C. B. Darrall 


u 


6 G. W. Hazelton 


Wis 


44 G. F. Hoar 


Mass 


82 .1. D. Ward 


111 


120 W. J. HTnes 


Ark 


7 A. Crocker 


Mass 


45 H. S. Bundy, 


0. 


8:3 W. D. Kelley 


Pa 


121 G. L. Smith 


La 


8 P. 8. Crooke 


N.Y. 


46 J. Niles 


Miss 


84 J. M. Rusk 


Wis 


122 R. H. Cain 


S. C. 


9 S. L. Woodford 


N.Y. 


47 P. Sawver 


Wis 


85 M. C Hunter 


Ind 


123 J. P. C. Shanks 


Ind 


10 J. Monroe, 


0. 


48 C. G. WilUams 


Wis 


86 E. e. Roberts 


N.Y. 


124 W. J. Purman 


Fla 


n D. B. Mellish 


N.Y. 


49 E. 0. Stanatd 


Mo 


87 L. Myers 


Pa 


125 J. H. Sypher 

126 A. S. McDiU 


La 


.12 J. S. Ne?!ey 


Pa 


50 H. 0. Pratt 


Iowa 


88 H. C. Bnrchard 


111 


Wis 


13 W. B. Williams 


Mich 


51 D. Wilher 


N. Y, 


89 S. A. Hurlburt 


III 


127 J. Orr 


Iowa 


14 W. H. Ray 


111 


.i2 J. H. Burleigh 


Me 


90 J. S. Martin 


III 


128 I. B. Hyde 


Mo 


.15 N.B.Bradley 


Mich 


53 W. E. Lansing 


N.Y. 


91 J. B. Hawley 


111 


129 J. Buffinton 


Mass 


16 J. N. Tyner 


Ind 


54 W. J. Albert 


Md 


92 G. C. McKee 


Miss 


130 T. J. Cason 


Ind 


17 W. P. Sprajue 





55 H. L. Richmond 


Pa 


93 A. J. Ransier 


S. C. 


131 L. Danford 


0. 


18 W. P. Frye 

19 I. C. Parker 


Me 


56 J. B. Packer 


Pa 


94 R. H. Whiteley, 


Qa. 


132 A. W. Tavlor 


Pa 


Mo 


57 J. T. AveriU 


Minn 


95 J. R. Lynch 


M.3S 


i:i3 H. H. Harrison 


Tenn 


•20 L.D. Shoemaker 


Pa 


58 C. W. Willard 


Vt 


96 J. .S. iart 


N.Y. 


134 L. Crounse 


Neb 


21 G. L. Fort 


111 


59 B W. Harris 


Mass 


97 J. H. Rainey 


S. C. 


135 W. H. H. Stowell Va 


22 S. Ross 


Pa 


60 H. H. Hathom 


N.Y. 


98 J. T. Walls 


Fla 


136 J. M. S. Williams Mass 


23 L. P. Poland 


Vt 


61 W. A. Smith 


N.C. 


99 B. F. Butler 


Mass 


137 J. T. Rapier 


Ala 


24 G. W. Scofield 


Pa 


62 C L. Merriam 


N.Y. 


IfXI L. Lowndes, Jr 


Md 


138 0. D. Conger 


Mich 


25 C. B. Curtis 


Pa 


63 C. Foster 


0. 


101 S. B. Elkins 


N. M. 


139 G. Willard 


Mioh 


26 J. D. Uwson 


N.Y. 


64 W. Williams 


Ind 


1112 S. 0. Houghton 


Cal 


140 L. Tremain 


N.T. 


- 27 R. H. Duell 


N.Y. 


C6 M. H. Bunnell 


Minn 


103 J. B. Chaffee 


C. T. 


141 G. G. Hoskins 


N.T. 


28 A. C. Harmer 


Pa 


66 H. B. Strait, 


Minn 


IW J. W. Robinwn 





142 T. C. Piatt 


N.T. 


29 L. D. Woodwortb 


0. 


67 H E. Havens 


Mo 


105 B. Lewis 


Tenn 


143 J. G. Cannon 


lU 


30 M. L. Ward 


N.J. 


68 J. A. Kasson 


Iowa 


106 J.M.Thomburgh 


Tenn 


144 W. B. Small 


N. H. 


31 G. S. Orth 


Ind 


69 I. Clements 


III 


107 H. J. Scudder 


N.Y. 


145 J. A. Barber 


Wis 


82 R. R. Butler 


Tenn 


7o W. G. Donnan 


Iowa 


108 C. O'Neill 


Pa 


146 J. Packard 


Ind 


83 C. R. Thomas 


N.C. 


71 J. W. McDill 


Iowa 


109 J. C. Freeman 


Ga 


147 R. B. Elliott 


R.C. 


84 H. Waldron 


Mich 


72 W. W. Phelps 


N.J. 


110 J. B. Rice 


III 


148 W. Lawrence 





86 J. W. Hazelton 


N.J. 


73 C. D. MacDougall N. Y. 


111 F. Corwin 


III 


149 S. A. Cobb, 


Ean 


86 J. C. Burrows 


Mich 


74 H. F. Page 


Cal 


112 W. L. Sessions 


N.Y. 


150 J. S. Biery 


Pa 


87 C. Albright 


Pa 


75 S. A. Dobbins 


N.J. 


113 W. A. Phillips 

114 W. A. Wheeler 


Km 


161 £. MeJunkin 


Pa 


88 J. A. HubbeU 


Mioh 


76 A. Cl«rk. Jr. 


N.J. 


N.Y. 







112 HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

that on the ^N". is a portrait of Daniel Boone, and below the 
words — 

" The spirit grows with its allotted space. 
The mind is narrowed in a narrow sphere." 

Opposite is a portrait of Capt. William Clarke, and beneath 
the words — 

"No pent-up Utica contracts our powers, 
But the whole boundless continent is ours." 

Second rioor. — The visitor has now reached the second 
story, or gallery floor. The corridors on tlie W., where he 
stands, and on the K. and E., are open to the public. That 
on the S. is devoted to the Press Telegraph Offices^ and^e- 
porter^s Retiring Room in tlie W. half, and Ladies'' Retiring 
Room on the E'. The latter is reached by the N. and E. cor- 
ridors, the entrance being at the S. end of the latter, right- 
hand side. The House Document Library, containing about 
60,000 vols., is on the N. corridor centre, N". side. Commit- 
tee rooms open from the outside upon the E. and W. corri- 
dors. Tlie corridors are neatly but plainly finished, in stucco 
ornamentations, on tinted and plain background. 

Galleries. — The galleries entered from the W. doors are 
for ladies or gentlemen accompanied by ladies ; on the N. 
for gentlemen; on E. families of members and diplomatic 
representatives and ladies; and on tlie S., in centre, mem- 
bers of the press and ladies on either side. The entrances 
to all these galleries, during the sessions of Congress, are 
guarded by doorkeepers, whose duty it is to seat the people, 
and to see' that proper decorum is olxserved. 

The Hall of the Eepresentatives— or the "House of Kep- 
resentatives," occupies the centre of the main floor of the S. 
Extension of the Capitol. The dimensions of this superb 
legislative hall, the finest in the world, are : length, 139 ft. ; 
width, 93 ft. ; height, 36 ft. The measurement of the floor 
is 115 ft. by 67 ft. The form of the hall is a parallelogram, 
with a range of galleries on the four sides, and capable of 
seating about 2, 500 persons . Beneatl i these galleries, against 
the ISf., E., and W. walls, are cloak and retiring rooms. 
Under the galleries, over the back of the Speaker's chair, is 
the lobby. 

Upon the floor of the Hall are oak desks for 302 members 
and delegates, arranged in 7 concentric semi-circles, facing 
the S. The aisles diverge from the Speaker's "desk." The 
latter is raised about 3 ft. from the floor. In front are desks 
for the clerks of the House, and still in front desks for the 
official reporters. These are made of white marble, with a 



BASEMENT. 113 

base of Tennessee, and are extremely beautiful. The clock 
marks the morning hour and limit of debate. E. of the 
Spealver is a circular pedestal of Vermont marble, upon which 
the mace or insignia of authority is placed when the House is 
in session. When not in use, this may be seen in the room of 
the Sergeant-at-Arms in the SE. end of the lobby. It con- 
sists of a bundle of lictor's rods, bound together by silver liga- 
tures, and siumounted by a silver terrestial globe, crowned by 
the American eagle. Against the wall on the same side is a 
full-length portrait of Washington, by Vanderlyn, 1834, and 
in the corresponding position on the W. a similar portrait of 
the Marquis de Lafayette, by Ary Scheffer,1822, the celebrated 
French artist. The latter was presented to Congress by La- 
fayette upon his last visit to the United States. In the W. 
panel of the S. wall, under the gallery, is a fresco by Bru- 
midi, representing Washington at Yorktown receiving the 
officer sent by Cornwallis to ask a two days' cessation of hos- 
tilities, and in place of which two hours were granted. The 
fresco was necessarily finished in great haste. The location 
is also unsuitable. Over the l!^. door is a clock, surmounted 
by an eagle, and supported on either side by figiu-es of an In- 
dian and hunter. 

The ceiling of the Hall is of cast iron, paneled, and highly 
enriched with gilt moldings, and supported on a decorated 
cornice. There are 45 panels, filled with glass of appropriate 
design, 37 with stained centre pieces, representing the coats 
of arms of the States. There are two outer rows of panels, 
that nearest the walls consisting of open work with massive 
pendants in the centre. The iron frame-work of the panels 
is beautifully painted and gilded. Between the ceiling and 
the roof of the building is the illuminating loft, wliich also 
accommodates the truss-work connecting the frame of the 
ceiling with the roof, in order to secure increased strength. 
Inside the panels are gas jets, numbering about 1,500, lighted 
by electricity, and which, during night sessions, shed a mel- 
low light upon the Hall beneath. The Hall is heated and 
ventilated by the same means as devised for the Senate. 

Basement. — The basement, reached beneath the E. or W.. 
staircase, is entirely without decoration. Tlie central cor- 
ridor, 25 ft. wide from N. to S., consists of a fine colonnade 
of 14 fluted marble columns on each side, with capitals. 
formed of acanthus, tobacco, and corn leaves. The walls 
are scagliola, imitating Sienna marble, the ceiling iron, and' 
the floor of encaustic tiles. On the 1. is the ''House" Ke- 
fectory. The central corridor on the left passes the bath 
rooms, and terminates in the E. vestibule.. The narrows 
8 



114 HISTORY. 

passage on the 1. leads to the steps to the vaults and sub- 
basement, in which are the Ivitchens, heating and ventilat- 
ing apparatus, and coal vaults. These are materially the 
same as beneath the Senate. 

Committee Kooms. — The only committee room of special 
interest is that on Agriculture, in the basement, on the W. 
side of the W. corridor S., and near the foot of the W. stair- 
case. This room was decorated by Brumidi in 1855, the lirst 
work of the kind done on the Capitol, and, with the excej)- 
tion of the panels, is frescoed throughout. On the ceilings 
are representations of the four seasons, symbolized in Flora, 
Ceres, Bacchus, and Boreas. On the E. wall is a fresco 
representing Cincinnatus called from the plow to be Dictator 
of Rome. On the opposite wall is a corresponding scene, rep- 
resenting Putnam called from the plow to join in the battles 
of the Revolution. On the S. is a medallion of Washington, 
and beneath a Harvest in the Olden Time. Opposite Jefferson^ 
and beneath, a Harvest Scene with Modern Improvements. 
This room may be seen by rapping at the door or making 
inquiry of one of the Capitol Police. 

The visitor has now seen the grander features of the Capi- 
tol. Those portions having no special interest have been 
purposely omitted, it being considered unnecessary to burden 
him with useless and unimportant details. 

Capitol Police. — The Capitol is patrolled by a special police 
corps, organized in 1862, and under the exclusive control of 
Congress. The officers and privates are invariably courteous, 
and will take pleasure at all times in directing or escorting 
strangers to various parts of the building. 

Architects of the Capitol.— 1793, Dr. William Thornton, of 
Penn., an amateur, designer of the Capitol; 1793, Stephen 
Hallet, France.; 1794, James Hoban, S. C; 1795, George 
Hadfield, England ; 1796, James Hoban, S. C. ; 1797, George 
Hadlield, England ; 1803, R. H. Latrobe, Md. ; 1817, Charles 
Bulfinch, Mass. ; 1851, Thomas U. Walter^ Penn. ; 1865, Ed- 
ward Clark, Penn. 

History^— The site of the Capitol, if not chosen, was ap- 
proved by Washington, in the original plans of tlie city, sub- 
mitted to him by L'Enfant, and in the summer of 1791 was 
located by the commissioners. On this occasion Mr. EUicott 
drew the meridian and the E. and W. lines, at the intersection 
of which the Capitol was to stand. This having been accom- 
plished, in March, 1792, the commissioners prepared adver- 
tisements, which were published in the principal towns and 



HISTORY. 115 

cities of the United States, offering a premium of $500, or a 
medal, for a plan of a President's House and Capitol. In this 
matter Jefferson took an active interest. During liis resi- 
dence in Europe he had collected drawings of the fronts of 
celebrated public buildings. These were now produced for 
examination. He suggested, in the present instance, that 
the style of architecture of the Capitol should be taken from 
some model of antiquity, and that the President's House 
should be modern. In response to tlie advertisements, a 
number of plans were submitted, but in the selection of one 
for the Capitol there was a variety of opinions. 

A plan by Dr. Wm. Thornton, of Penn., but materially al- 
tered and improved by others, was approved by Washington 
and submitted to Stephen Hallet, a French architect, who was 
intrusted with its execution. On Sept. 18, 1793, the corner- 
stone of the edifice, SE. corner, was laid by Brother George 
Washington, assisted by the Worshipful Masters and Free 
Masons of the surrounding cities, the military, and a large 
number of people. The silver plate deposited in the cavity 
of the stone bore the following inscription : 

"This southeast corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of America, in 
the City of Washington, was laid on the iSth day of September, 1793, in the thir- 
teenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the second term of the 
Presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil administration of his 
country have been as conspicuous and beneficial, as his military valor and prudence 
have, been useful in establishing her liberties, and in the year of Masonry, 579J, by 
the President of the United States, in concert with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, 
several Lodges under its jurisdiction, and Lodge No. Z2 from Alexandria, Virginia, 

''Thomas Johnson, David Stewart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners j Joseph 
Clarke, R. W. G. M. P T. ; James Hoban and Stephen Hailate, Architects ; Collin 
Williamson, M, Mason." 

After ascending from the cavazion, the Grand Master, P. T., 
Joseph Clarke^ delivered an oration, during which, at inter- 
vals, volleys were fired by the artillery. Tlie ceremony closed 
in prayer, Masonic chanting honors, and a national salute of 
15 guns. 

The President wore the apron and full regalia of a Mason. 
The gavel used on the occasion was of ivory, and is still pre- 
served as a treasured relic by Lodge N'o. 9 of Georgetow^n. 

After the dedicatory ceremonies the entire assemblage 
took part in a barbecue arranged for the occasion in the E. 
Park. 

The ISr. Wing was ready for occupation in 1800. In the 
completed wing the Senate on the W. side. House of Repre- 
sentatives on E., and Supreme Court in tlie basement, first 
held their sessions. In 1801 the House occupied a temporary 
structure called the '■'Oven," erected on the site of the pres- 
ent S. Extension. In 1805 it returned to its first apartment 
in the N. Wing. In 1803 President Jefferson appointed B. H. 



116 HISTORY. 

Latrobe Architect of the Capitol. This gentleman made rad- 
ical changes in the elevation and ground-plan of the building, 
raising the floor from the ground story to the principal order 
over the casement. The S. Wing was in readiness for the 
occupation of Congress in 1811. The central portions were 
still unfinished. An unsightly wooden passage connected 
the two wings. Diu-ing the war of 1812 worlv on the build- 
ing was suspended. In 1814 tlie interior of both wings was 
destroyed by the British, after which Congress, on Sept. 19, 
1814, met temporarily in the structure known as Blodgett's 
Hotel, situated on the E-st. front of the square now occupied 
by the General Post Office. The session of Congress com- 
mencing Dec. 18, 1815, assembled in a building on the SE. 
corner of A and 1st sts. ISTE., erected by the citizens of 
Washington for the piu-pose, and was occupied till the res- 
toration of the S. Wing of the original Capitol. 

In 1815, after an obstinate discussion, for a time threatening 
the most serious consequences to the harmony of the Union, 
Congress determined to restore the Capitol. The work of res- 
toration was commenced by Mr. Latrobe, who resigned in 
1817. President Monroe appointed Charles Bulfinch, of Bos- 
ton, as his successor. That architect commenced the central 
portions of the building, including the Rotunda and Library, 
in 1818, which were completed in 1827. In 1818 a temporary 
building was erected near the Capitol for the use of commit- 
tees of Congress. The plans of Latrobe, with a few slight 
modifications, were carried out, and the entire structure, with 
teiTaces and grounds, was completed in 13 years, at a cost, in- 
cluding alterations, repairs, &c., and improvement of grounds 
tol851, when tlie Extensions were added, of $2,690,459 21. In 
Sept., 1850, Congress passed an act authorizing the extension 
of the Capitol. Thomas U. Walter, the architect of Girard 
College, at Philadelphia, in June, 1851, submitted a plan of 
extension to President Fillmore. This was accepted, and Mr. 
Walter was designated to carry it into execution. The corner- 
stone of the S. extension was laid on July 4, 1851. The fol- 
lowhig is a copy of the record deposited beneath the corner- 
stone : 

"On the morning of the first day of the seventy-sixth year of the Independence 
of the United States of America, in the City of Washington, being the 4th day of 
July, 1851, this stone, designed as the corner-stone of the Extension of the Capitol, 
according to a plan approved by the President, in pursuance of an act of Congress, 
was t«id by 

MILLARD FILLMORE, 
President of the United States, 
asisted by the Grand Master of the Masonic Lodges, in the presence of many 
members of Congress; of officers of the Executive and Judiciary departments. 
National, State, and District; of officers of the Army and Navy; the corporate au- 
thorities of this and neighboring cities ; many associations, civil and military and 



HISTORY. 117 

Masonic; officers of the Smithsonian Institution and National Institute; professors 
of colleges and teachers of schools of the District of Columbia, with their students 
and pupils, and a vast concourse of people from places near and remote, including 
a few surviving gentlemen who witnessed the laying of the corner-ston* ©f tbe 
Capitol by President Washington, on the eighteenth day of September, •eT«ntc«i 
hundred and ninety-three. 

" If, therefore, it shall be hereafter the will of Go4 that this structure (hall fall 
from its base, that its foundation be up-turned, and this deposit brought to the eye 
of men, be it known that, on this day, the Union of the United States of America 
stands firm ; that their Constitution still exists unimpaired, and with all its original 
usefulness and glory, growing every day stronger and stronger in the affections of 
the great body of the American people, and attracting more and more the admira- 
tion of the world. And all here assembled, whether belonging to public life or to 
private life, with hearts devoutly thankful to Almighty God for the preservation of 
the liberty and happiness; of the country, unite in sincere and fervent prayers that 
this deposit, and the walls and arches, the domes and towers, the columns and ee- 
tablaturcs, now to be erected over it, may endure forever! 

'* God save the United States of America ! Daniel Webster, 

*■*■ S*crttarji of State of the United, ftatei"^ 

Daniel Webster, the orator of the day, concluded the cere- 
monies in an eloquent address. 

In 1855 Congress authorized the removal of the Dome over 
the centre of the Capitol, and the construction of a new one 
of iron, according to the plans of Mr. Walter. The first Dome 
was built of wood. In the fire of 1851, which consumed the 
interior of the Library of the United States, this Dome was 
in imminent danger. Though it escaped destruction, the 
lesson suggested its removal, which was done in 1856. In its 
place the erection of the present Dome of u'on, finished in 
1865, was undertaken. The inner shell of the first Dome was 
ornamented with panels or caissons, and modeled after that 
of the Pantheon of Agrippa at Rome. It was smaller in size, 
the Dome of the Capitol being 96 ft. in height and diameter, 
and 122^ ft. to the sk5dight. "The Dome of the Pantheon was 
142 ft. in diameter, which was about the same as the height, 
one half being the height of the Dome and the circular open- 
ing for light 23 ft. in diameter. The outer shell of the Dome 
of the Capitol was higher in proportion than its original in 
Rome. The cu'cular aperture at the apex was also covered 
by a cupola, around which there was a balustrade, reached by 
a stairway between the inner and outer shells. The access, 
however, was inconvenient and dangerous. On one occasion 
a lady slipped and fell upon the sash, breaking the glass, but 
was prevented from precipitation to the pavement of the Ro- 
tunda below by the strength of the frame. 

The work on the Capitol was continued through the war of 
the rebellion, 1861-65. On December 12, 1863, at noon, the 
statue of Freedom which surmounts the Dome was placed in 
position. The flag of the United States was unf in-led from 
its crest, and was greeted by the sliouts of thousands of citi- 
zens and soldiers. A national salute of 35 guns was fired by 



118 HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

a field battery in the E. Park, and was responded to by the 
great guns of the chain of forts constituting the defenses of 
the threatened Capital of the Nation. 

The new Hall of the S. Extension was occupied by the 
House of Representatives Dec. 16, 1857, and that of the N. 
by the Senate Jan. 4, 1859. The Capitol to date cost : main 
Building, $3,000,000; Dome, $1,000,000; Extensions N. and 
S., $8,000,000; misceUaneous, $1,000,000. 



HISTORY OF COI^GRESS. 

The establishment of a General Union of the British Colo- 
nies in N. America was early suggested as necessary to the 
maintenance of English supremacy on the American conti- 
nent, as well as to secure safety at home. In 1643 a Confed- 
eracy of the Colonies of New England was formed, which 
answered admirably as a means of defense and offense in the 
affairs pertaining to that particular section. 

On February 8, 1697, William Penn presented to the Board 
of Commissioners in London ''A brief e and plaine scheam 
how the English colonies on the north parts of America, 
namely, Boston, Connecticut, Road Island, New York, New 
Jerseys, Pennsilvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina, 
may be made more usef uU to the crown and one another's 
peace and safety with an universal concurrence." This was 
the first suggestion of a complete union of all the colonies for 
purposes of external defense, or to act in matters exclusively 
intercolonial. It was sixty-nine years after Penn made his 
proposition to the Lords Commissioners that the First Amer- 
ican Congress^ on Oct. 7, 1765, met in New York, in opposi- 
tion to several measures of the British Parliament, chiefly 
the stamp act. 

The First Continental Congress, Peyton Randolph, of Va., 
President, met at Philadelphia in Sept., 1774, all the colonies 
except Georgia being represented. The British king and 
ministry were highly incensed at these "persons, styling 
themselves delegates of his majesty's colonies in America, 
having presumed, without his majesty's consent, to assemble 
together at Philadelphia." A circular was sent to all the 
colonial governors, and every effort was made, by threat or 
intimidation, to frustrate the assembling of the proposed 
Congress of 1775. The royal disapprobation of the proceed- 



RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION. 119 

ing had no effect whatever. The Congress met at the ap- 
pointed time and place, and Peyton Kandolph, of Va., was 
again chosen President. Since this gathering the American 
Congress, Continental or General, as it was variously styled, 
has had an unbroken line of succession. 

Sessions of the Continental Congress. — Commenced 1774, 
Sept. 5, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 1775, May 10, Philadelphia, 
Penn. ; 1776, Dec. 20, Baltimore, Md. ; 1777, March 4, Phil- 
adelphia, Penn.; 1777, Sept. 27, Lancaster, Penn.; 1777, 
Sept. 30, York, Penn. ; 1778. July 2, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 
1783, June 30, Princeton, N". J. ; 1783, Nov. 26, Annapolis, 
Md.; 1784, Nov. 1, Trenton, N". J.; 1785, Jan. 11, :N"ew 
York City, I^. Y., until the adoption of the Constitution of 
the United States. 

Presidents of the Continental Congress, 1774-1788.— Pey- 
ton Randolph, Va., elected Sept. 5, 1774 ; Henry Middleton, 
S. C, Oct. 22, 1774; Peyton Randolph, Va., May 10, 1775; 
John Hancock, Mass., May 24, 1775; Henry Laurens, S. C, 
Kov. 1, 1777; John Jay, N. Y., Dec. 10, 1778; Samuel 
Huntingdon, Conn., Sept. 28, 1779; Thomas McKean, Del., 
July 10, 1781 ; John Hanson, Md., Nov. 5, 1781 ; Elias Bou- 
dinot, N. J., Nov. 4, 1782 ; Tliomas Mifflin, Penn., IN'ov. 3, 
1783; Richard Henry Lee, Va., N'ov. 30, 1784; IS'athaniel 
Gorliam, Mass., June 6, 1786; Arthur St. Clair, Penn., Feb. 
2, 1787; Cyrus Griffin, Va., Jan. 22, 1788. 

Under the Articles of Confederation^ executed at Phila- 
delphia July 9, 1778, Congress met annually on the first 
Monday in ISTovember, till the Constitution of the United 
States went into operation, in 1789. 

Eatification of the Constitution.— The Constitution of the 
United States of America was adopted September 17, 1787, 
pursuant to a resolution dated February 21, 1787, of the Con- 
gress assembled under the provisions of the Articles of Con- 
federation. The ratification, in convention, by the thirteen 
original States, was as follows: 1787, Dec. 7, Delaware ; 1787, 
Dec. 12, Pennsylvania ; 1787, Dec. 18, New Jersey ; 1788, Jan. 
2, Georgia; 1788, Jan. 9, Connecticut; 1788, Feb. 6, Massa- 
chusetts; 1788, April 28, Maryland; 1788, May 23, South Car- 
olina; 1788, June 21, New Hampshire; 1788, June 26, Vir- 
ginia; 1788, July 26, New York; 1789, Nov. 21, North Carolina; 
1790, May 29, Rhode Island. 

The first Congress under the Constitidion commenced March 
4, 1789, held two sessions in New York City, and subsequent- 
ly met in Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1790. For the next ten years 
the national capital found a resting place on the ver}^ spot 



120 PRESIDENTS OF THE SENATE. 

where the Continental Congress of 1776 had given to the world 
that great instrument of American freedom the Declaration 
of Independence. The next step was to plant itself upon the 
broad waters of the Potomac. 

In June, 1800, the executive branch of the Government 
was transferred from Philadelphia to the Permanent Seat 
of Government and future Capital of the Eepublic establish- 
ed, by the act of 1790. The 36th Congi-ess, 2d Session, the 
first which met in the City of Washington, assembled here 
on Nov. 17, 1800, the third Mondaj^ of JSTov., but failed of a 
quorum of tlie Senate till Nov. 21, on which day the Presi- 
dent of the United States and House of Representatives 
were notified of the organization of tliat body. On the next 
day the President of the United States, John Adams, in 
person, delivered an appropriate address to the two Houses 
of Congress assembled in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol. 

Tlie Constitution requires that ''''Congress shall assemble at 
least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on the 
first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint 
a different day." Article I section 1 of the Constitution 
provides that all legislative powers therein granted shall be 
vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist 
of a Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate is 
composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the 
Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator has one 
vote. The Senate is divided equally into three classes, so 
that one thii-d may be chosen every second year, the senato- 
rial term of a class always beginning with a new Congress. 
The Senate has advisory as well as legislative powers. Pres- 
ent number 74. 

Presidents of the Senate. — {Vice Presidents of the United 
States.) — 1789, 1-4 Congress, John Adams, Mass. ; 1797, 5-6, 
Thomas Jefterson, Va. ; 1801, 7-8, Aaron Burr, N. Y. ; 1805, 
9-12, George Clinton, N. Y. ; 1813, 13-14, Elbridge Gerry, 
Mass. ; 1817, 15-18, D. D. Tompkins, N. Y. ; 1825, 19-22, J. 
C. Calhoun, S. C. ; 1833, 23-24, Martin Van Buren, N. Y. ; 
1837, 25-26, R. M. Johnson, Ky. ; 1841, 27, John Tyler, Va. ; 
1843, 28, vacant; 1845, 29-30', G. M. Dallas, Penn.; 1849, 
31, Millard Fillmore, N. Y. ; 1851, 32, vacant; 1853, 33-34, 
W. 11. King, 1 mo., Ala, ; 1853, 33-34, vacant; 1857, 35-36, 
John C. Breckinridge, Ky. ; 1861, 37-38, H. Hamlin, Me. ; 
1865, 39-40, A. Johnson, Tenn. ; 1867, 40, vacant; 1869, 41-42, 
Schuyler Colfax, Ind. ; 1873, 43, Henry Wilson, Mass. 

The House of Representatives is composed of members 
chosen every second year by the people of the several States, 
and are apportioned according to their respective population. 



president's house. 121 

Representation, 292 members, 10 delegates, viz : Alabama, 
8; Arkansas, 4; California, 4 ; Connecticut 4 ; Delaware,!; 
Florida, 2 ; Georgia, 9 ; Illinois, 19 ; Indiana, 13 ; Iowa, 9 ; 
Kansas, 3 ; Kentucky 10 ; Louisiana, 6 ; Maine, 5 ; Maryland, 
G ; Massachusetts, 11 ; Michigan, 9 ; Minnesota, 3 ; Mississip- 
pi, 6 ; Missouri, 13 ; ISTebraska, 1 ; I^evada, 1 ; New Hamp- 
sliire 3; New Jersey, 7; New York, 33; North Carolina, 8; 
Oliio, 20; Oregon, 1; Pennsylvania, 27; Rhode Island, 2; 
Soutli Carolina, 5; Tennessee, 10; Texas, 6; Vermont, 3; 
Virginia, 9 ; West Virginia, 3 ; Wisconsin, 8 ; and one dele- 
gate from each of the Territories of Arizona, Colomda, Dako- 
ta, District of Columbia, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, 
Washington, and Wyoming. Delegates maj'' propose mea- 
sures relating to tlieir own Territory, but have no vote. 

Speakers of the House of Representatives. — 1789, 1st Con- 
gi*ess, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1791, 2, Jonatlian Trum- 
bull, Conn.; 1793, 3, F.' A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1795, 4-5, 
Jonathan Dayton, N. J. ; 1799, 6, Tlieodore Sedgwick, Mass. ; 
1801, 7-9, Nathaniel Macon, N. C. ; 1807, lO-ll, Joseph B. 
Varnum, Mass.; 1811, 12-13, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1813, 13, 
Langdon Cheves, S. C. ; 1815, 14-16, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1819, 
IG, John W. Taylor, N. Y. ; 1821, 17, Philip B. Barbour, Va. ; 
1823, 18, Henry Claj^ Ky. ; 1825, 19, John W. Taylor, N. 
Y.; 1827, 20-23, Andrew Stevenson, Va.; 1835, 24, John 
Bell., Tenn. ; 1837, 25-2G, James K. Polk, Tenn. ; 1841, 27, 
R. M. T. Hunter, Va. ; 27, Jolm White, Ky. ; 1843, 28, John 
W. Jones, Va. ; 1845, 29, J. W. Davis, Ind.; 1847, 30, R. C. 
Winthrop, Mass. ; 1849, 31, Howell Cobb, Ga, ; 1851, 32-33, 
Linn Bovd, Kv. ; 1855, 34, N. P. Banks, Mass. ; 1857, 35 
James L.* Orr, S. C. ; 1859, 36, W. Pennington, N. J. ; 1861, 
37, Galusha A. Grow, Penn. ; 1863, 38-40, Schuyler Colfax, 
Ind. ; 1869, 41-43, J. G. Blaine, Me. 



PRESIDENT'S HOUSE. 

On the E. portion of the W. plateau of the city, 1^ m. from 
the Capitol, stands the President's House, so designated in 
the early official plans and documents relating to the city, but 
since styled the Executive Mansion, and popularly the '^ White 
House.'' Tlie Pennsylvania-av. street cars, running E., pass 
iu front. 



122 



president's house. 



G-rounds,— The oflacial residence of the President of the 
United States is situated in the centre, near the IST. limit of 
Eeservation No. 1 of the city, known as the President's 
Grounds, and, revised measurement, comprising 80| a. The 
grounds immediately connected with the building consist of 
about 20a. OntlieE., about 450ft. distant, is the Treasury De- 
partment, and the same distance on the W. are those of War, 
Navy, and State, the latter now building. On either side, 
between these buildings and the President's House, is Exe- 
cutive av. In front a broad av., connecting 15th and 17th sts. 
W., separates the JST. Parli from Lafayette Square, in which 
is tlie Equestrian Statue of General Jackson. Two gateways, 




PBESIDENT S HOUSE — NORTH FEONT. 



connected by a semi-circular drive and footwalk, constitute 
the entrances to the N. Park, and lead to the N. portico of 
the building. This portion of the grounds is laid out in walks 
and parterres, with a fountain in the centre. On the E. and 
W. the walks leave the grounds by granite steps, and lead to 
the executive offices. In 1841, on the E. of the N. Park was 
a rustic gateway of freestone, on either side of which stood a 
large weeping willow. The wife of one of the Presidents, 
upon being congratulated upon her elevation, replied: "I 
don't know that there is much cause for congratulation ; the 
President of the United States generally comes in at the iron 
gate (N.) and goes out at the weeping willows." On the E. 
is the bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, holding in his 1. hand 
the scroll of the Declaration of Independence^ and in the r. 
a pen, just having finished signing the document. On the 
base, r. side, is an inscription, '-Presented by Uriah Phillips 



president's house. 123 

Levy, of the United States Navy, to his fellow-citizens, 1833." 
On the 1. "P. T. David D'Angers, sculptor, 1833. Fondre a 
Paris par Honors Conon et ses deux fils." Captain Levy was 
an ardent admirer of tlie subject, and the purchaser of Mon- 
ticello, the home of Jefferson. It first stood in the Kotunda 
of the Capitol, from whence it was removed to tlie site of the 
fountain N. of the President's House, and in 1873 to its pres- 
ent position. The grounds S. of the President's House are 
divided into two parts by tlie semi-circular extension of Ex- 
ecutive av. That part within the enclosure is private^ and is 
adorned witli lawns, walks, trees, flowers, and a fountain. 
Tile Conservatories adjoining lie on tlie W. From a stand at 
tlie flag-staff in front of the S. portico, on every Saturday 
afternoon during the summer, the Marine Band discourses 
music for the enjoyment of the President's family and the 
public. The same ban(J plays on Wednesdays, during the 
season, in the E. Park of the Capitol. The grounds S. of 
Executive av. are sometimes designated by the meaningless 
title of " White Lot:' On the W. are the President's Stables. 
In the centre, running S., is a broad avenue, which connects 
with the drive on the Mall. 

Description, — The President's House (E. Room open to vis- 
itors every day^ except Sunday^ from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m.) faces 
N". and S., and is 170 ft. front by 86 ft. deep, two stories high, 
broken by pilasters of the order, and crowned with a balus- 
trade. The entire structure is built of freestone, painted 
white. On the IST. front projects a gravid portico^ supported 
on 8 Ionic columns, 2 on either side and 4 in front, and 4 
corresponding pilasters in the rear. The outer intercolumni- 
ation affords a shelter for carriages, from which steps ascend 
to a broad platform in front of the main door. The centre 
is for pedestrians. The S. front is adorned with a lofty semi- 
circular colonnade of 6 columns, of the same style as the N"., 
resting on a rustic basement, and reached by 2 flights of 
steps. On the W. are the Conservatories. The general style 
is a modification of Lienster House, Dublin, the residence 
of the Duke of Lienster. The main door on the jST. opens 
into a spacious vestibule or entrance hall, 40 ft. front by 50 
ft. deep. A sash screen, removed on public occasions, di- 
vides the entrance hall into two unequal parts, securing 
greater privacy for the suite of parlors on the S. The en- 
trance hall is frescoed overhead. The medallions on either 
side of the beautiful crystal chandelier are canvas. On the 
walls of the hall and corridor, within the screen, are portraits 
of Presidents John Adams, Van Buren, Tyler, Polk, Fill- 
more, and Pierce, by Healy, purchased under the act of 1857. 



124 

The Washington is by Stuart. During the invasion of the 
British one of the colored servants of President Madison cut 
tliis picture from tlie frame, and in tlie fliglit of tlie Presi- 
dent's houseliold carried it to Tennallytown, tlius saving it 
from destruction. The portrait of Lincoln, by Cogswell, 
was purchased in 1869. The small door on the r. opens into 
the Waiting Room, and tlie corresponding door on the 1. 
into a passage at the foot of the public stairway to the Ante 
Room. This passage is also used for the Marine Band, when 
performing at receptions. Across the passage is the East^ 
orighially designed for the Banqueting Eoom, and still so 
used since 1837 — a beautiful apartment, 80 ft. by 40 ft., and 
22 ft. high. The style of decoration is pure Oreek, done in 
1873. The ceiling is divided into three panels, the centre 
varied in pattern, and all painted in oil. The walls are 
raised paper, gilded, and painted a, drab gray. The wood- 
work throughout, including dado, columns, pilasters, gir- 
ders, cornice, and carved mantel-pieces, are in white and 
gold. There are four mirrors on the side walls, and two at 
either end. The furniture and hangings of the windows are 
in keeping. The rest of the first floor is private. 

The centre door within the screen opens into the Oval^ or 
Blue-Room^ 40 by 30 ft., a brilliant apartment, beautifully 
finished in blue and gold. The chandelier is crystal, fitted 
with a reflector. On the mantel are a pair of French vases 
of superior design and workmansliip. In this room the Pres- 
ident receives diplomatic ministers accredited to the United 
States and presented for the first time. Tiie President and 
wife also receive the people here on public occasions. 

On theE., through a door, is the Green Room^ opening into 
E. Room, and on the W. the Red Rooin, opening into the 
State Dining Room, 40 by 30 ft., with a dining table for 36 
covers, and suitable table ornaments. The Green and Red 
Rooms are 30 by 20 ft., and tastefully furnished. The Red 
Room is also the family parlor. On the mantel-piece is a fine 
gilt clock and pair of French vases, one with a representa- 
tion of the residence of Franklin at Passy, and the other 
showing the environs of Passy. At the W. end of the corri- 
dor are the Billiard Room and large Conservator^/. In the 
NW. corner, across the corridor, are' the private dining room, 
butler's pantry, and private stairs. 

On the second floor, the E. part of the building is occu- 
pied by the Executive Office and Ante Room, the latter reached 
by t!ie public staircase through the door on the r. The PreS' 
idenVs Office, or Cabinet Room, is a fine apartment on the S. 
side, opposite the S. door of the passage, at the head of the 
public stairway, and looks out upon the S. portico. Adjoin- 



president's house. 



125 



ing is the library, used also as a family sitting room, and 
entered by a private door. The private portions of the sec- 
ond floor are on the W. side, shut oif from the E., and con- 
sist of seven sleeping apartments. 

In the basement are the servants' quarters, kitchens, store- 
rooms, and vaults for fuel. 

For formalities and receptions^ see General Information — 
Etiquette. 

History. — The President's House, or President's ' ' Palace, ' ' 
as it is occasionally styled in the earlier documents, vi^as tlie 
first of the public buildings erected after the act of 1790. On 
March 14, 1792, the Commissioners of the city advertised for 
plans of a President's House and Capitol. On July 16 fol- 
lowing these plans were examined at Georgetown. Tlie first 
premium of $500 was awarded to James Hoban, of Charleston, 
S. C, for the plan of a President's House. No selection was 
made at that time for the Capitol. On Oct. 13, the same year, 
the Commissioners, accompanied by the Freemasons, archi- 
tects, and the inhabitants of Washington and Georgetown, 
marched in procession to the President's House, and tliere, 
with appropriate and solemn ceremonies, laid the corner- 
stone of that structure. 




PRESIDENT'S HOUSE— SOUTH FRONT. 



The work was conducted under the direction of Mr. Hoban, 
and was prosecuted under the same difficulties which sur- 
rounded the Capitol. Mr. Weld, an English traveler, writ- 
ing in 1795, alludes to the building as the finest in the coun- 



126 president's house. 

try, and much extolled by the people ; stating that persons 
found fault with it as being too large and too splendid for 
the residence of any person in a republican country ; and to 
use his own words, "certainly it is a ridiculous habitation 
for a man who receives a salary that amounts to no more 
than £5,625 per annum, and in a country where the ex- 
penses of living are far greater than they are even in 
London." 

Tlie first President to occupy the building was John Ad- 
ams, who took possession in ISTov., 1800, after tlie removal 
of the public offices to the permanent Seat of Government. 
Previous to that time the Executive of the United States was 
without a home owned by the nation. In N'ew York and 
Philadelphia rented houses were occupied. Tlie building up 
to 1814 had cost $333,207. Mrs. Adams, in a letter to her 
daughter, Nov. 21, 1800, thus alludes to some of the early 
inconveniences attending a residence in this commodious 
dwelling : 

"The house is upon a grand and superb scale, requiring 
about thirty servants to attend and keep the apartments in 
proper order and perform the ordinary business of the liouse 
and stables-^an establishment very well proportioned to the 
President's salary. The ligliting of the apartments from 
the kitchen to parlor and chambers is a tax indeed; and the 
fires we are obliged to keep to secure us from daily agues 
is another very cheering comfort. To assist us in this great 
castle, and render less attendance necessary, bells are wholly 
wanting — not one single one being hung through the whole 
house, and promises are all you can obtain. Tliis is so great 
an inconveniQUce, that I know not what to do or how to do. 
* * * If they will put up some bells, and let me have 
wood enough to keep fires, I design to be pleased. Sur- 
rounded with forests^ can you believe that wood is not to be 
had, because people cannot be hired to cut and cord k;." 

The President's House was destroyed by the British in 
1814. After the evacuation the President occupied a fine 
residence on the corner of ISTew York av. and 18th st. NW., 
known as the "Octagon," and now used by the hydrographic 
oflice of the Navy Department. In 1815 Congress authorized 
the restoration of the President's House, which was done hf 
Hoban, the original arcliitect. It was not again ready, how- 
ever, till after 1818. In 1833 the S. portico, in 1826 tlie East 
Room, and in 1829 the N. portico were finished. Since that 
time the interior of the structure has been subject to frequent 
renovations and repairs. It is entirely unsuitable, however, 
for the purposes to which it is now applied : executive offices 
and private residence. Congress has now under considera- 



president's house. 127 

tion a proposition to erect a suitable and exclusively private 
mansion in the suburbs of the capital for the residence of the 
President's household, and the conversion of the President's 
building into executive offices. The total appropriations for 
the erection and maintenance of the President's House from 
1800 to date amounts to $1,500,000. 

Presidents of the United States.— 1^ George Washington, 
Va., 1789-1797 ; 2, John Adams, Mass., 1797-1801 ; 3, Thomas 
Jefferson, Va., 1801-1809 ; 4, James Madison, Va., 1809-1817 ; 
5, James Monroe, Va., 1817-1825; 6, John Quincy Adams, 
Ma^s., 1825-1829; 7, Andrew Jackson, Tenn., 1829-1837; 
8, Martin Van Buren, N". Y., 1837-1841 ; 9, William Henry 
Harrison, Ohio, 1841, 1 mo.; 10, John Tyler, Va., 1841- 
1845; 11, James K. Polk, Tenn., 1845-1849; 12, Zachary 
Tavlor, La., 1849-1850; 13, Millard Fillmore, N. Y., 1850- 
18o3; 14, Franklin Pierce, N. H., 1853-1857; 15, James 
Buchanan, Penn., 1857-1861; IG, Abraham Lincoln, 111., 
1861-1865; 17, Andrew Johnson, Tenn., 1865-1869; 18, 
Ulysses S. Grant, 111., 1869-187-. 

The Executive.^The executive poioer^ under the Constitu- 
tion of the United States, is vested in a President elected for 
4 years, and a Vice President chosen for the same term. The 
President is chosen by electors in each State, equal to the 
whole number of Senators and Representatives of such State. 
The electors are voted for by the people of the State. ISTo per- 
son except a natural-born citizen of the United States, having 
attained to the age of 35 years, is eligible to the office. The 
Vice President, who is elected in the same manner, succeeds 
in event of the removal, death, resignation, or incapacity of 
the President. The third in the line of succession is fixed by 
Congress. The executive has no powers except in conjunc- 
tion' with the legislative branch. The inauguration of a 
President of the United States takes place on the 4th day of 
March after his election ; or if the regular day comes on Sun- 
da j^, then the day following. No formal ceremony is required* 
save to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution. Usage 
has imposed upon the Ciiief Justice of the United States the 
solemn duty of administering the oath. Thomas Jefferson 
was the first President inaugurated in Washington. The first 
inaugural address dclivered'oitside the Senate Chamber was 
by President Monroe. Previous to the adoption of the Con* 
stitution the executive power was vested in Congress. 

On March 10, 1873, the Senate Committee on Privileges 
and Elections were instructed to report on the best mode of 
electing the President and Vice President, and providing a 
tribunal to decide contested questions connected therewith. 



128 DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 



DEPAKTMEIS^T OF STATE. 

The Department of State, {open daily from 9^ a. m. to 2^^. 
wi., except Thursdays^ devoted exclusively to the diplomatic 
corps^ and Saturdays^ during sessions of Congress^ to mem- 
bers^) ill I^overaber, 1866, was removed from the old NE. 
executive building, whicli was talvcn down to make room for 
the N. Aving of tlie Treasury Department, to a building owned 
by the Washington Orphan Asylum, at the SE. corner of S 
and 14th sts. NW. It may be reached by street cars from 
Kew York av., opposite the NE. corner of the Treasury De- 
partment. 

In the department are the originals of all the laws of the 
United States and the archives relating to the diplomatic in- 
tercourse with foreign nations, including treaties, from the 
foundation of the Government. There are also other docu- 
ments of historic value, principally the original drafts of the 
old Revolution documents and the Federal Constitution, 
Washington's Commission as Commander-in-Chief of the 
American troops during the Revolution, and the Andre pa- 
pers. The day before the occupation of the city by the Brit- 
ish, John Graham, Stephen Pleasanton, and Josiah King, 
clerks in the department, carried these, with many other 
valuable documents, to a place of safety across the Potomac. 
The treaties and other records are preserved in the room of 
the Keeper of the Rolls. Until 1873 the more interesting trea- 
ties were shown to the public, but the valuable seals of some 
of them having been stolen by a subordinate of the depart- 
ment, they have since been placed away for' greater security. 

State, "War, and Navy Department — On the "VV. of the 
President's House, on 17th st., S. of the present Navy De- 
partment, is now being erected the S. AVing of a magniticent 
structure, when completed to be occupied by the State, War, 
and Navy Departmsnts. The building was designed by A. 
B. Mullett, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Depart- 
ment, and was commenced in 1871, under authority of an 
act of Congress passed in March of that year. The spacious 
edifice will measure 253 ft. from E. to W. by 471 ft. from 
N. to S., or, including projections of pavilions and steps, 
342 ft. by 567 ft. The greatest height, from the terrace 
level over all, will be 128 ft. The four fapades will be of 
equal importance, and their masses are appropriately and 
harmoniously broken by pavilions and projecting porticos. 
The basement will be 2 stories high, over which, in the centre 
pavilions of the JS". and S. fronts, wUl be 4 stories and 1 in 



DEPARTMENT OP STATE. 



129 



the roof, and in the E. and W. centre paviUons 5 stories and 
1 in the roof. The order is the Roman Doric, carefully and 
originally treated. All superfluity of ornamentation will be 
avoided. The whole will be covered with a Mansard roof, 
wholly constructed of iron and covered with slate ; its detail 




STATE, WAR, AND NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

will be very rich and graceful and the sky-line very pleasing. 
The wliole construction will be absolutely fire-proof — floors 
of iron and brick and all interior finish of iron. There will 
be four private entrances for carriages : 2 each in the E. and 
W. elevations, passing through the building into the interior 
courts. The stone used is granite; that "of the basement 
coming from the coast of Maine,, and the superstructure from 
Richmond, Va. The largest stones are those used for the 
platforms of the porticos, and weighing 20 tons each. The 
building will enclose two hollow squares, a wing connecting 
the two sides forming the separation, thus allowing a direct 
light and ventilation for every room in the building. The 
plan is the same size as that of the Treasury, and occupies 
the same relative i)Osition to .the President's House on the 
W. The building will have about 150 rooms, some very 
large and capable of subdivision. Will cost about $5,000,000. 
Secretaries of State,-^17S9, Thomas Jefi"erson, Va. ; 1794, 
Edmund Randolph, Va. ; 1795, Timothy Pickering, Mass.; 
1800, John Marshall, Va. ; 1801, James Madison, Va. ; 1809,, 
Robert Smith, Md. ; 1811, James Monroe, Va.; 1817, John 
Q. Adams, Mass. ; 1825, Henry Clay, Ey. ; 1829, Martin Vau; 
9 



130 DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

Buren, N". Y. ; 1831, Edward Livingston, La. ; 1833, Louis 
McLane, Del. : 1834, John Forsyth, Ga. ; 1841, Daniel Web- 
ster, Mass. ; 1843, Hugh S. L^gard, S. C. ; 1843, A. P. Up- 
shur, Va. ; 1844, John Nelson, Md. ; 1844, J. C. Calhoun, S. 
C; 1845, James Buchanan, Penn.; 1849, J. M. Claj^ton, 
Del. ; 1850, Daniel Webster, Mass. ; 1852, Edward Everett, 
Mass. ; 1853, W. L. Marcy, IST. Y. ; 1857, Lewis Cass, Mich.; 
1860, Jer. S. Blacl^, Penn.; 1861, W. H. Seward, N. Y. ; 
1869, E. B. Washburne, BL; 1869, Hamilton Fish, N. Y. 

History. — Before the adoption of the Constitution of the 
United States the "Department of Foreign Aflfairs" was 
under the direction of an officer styled "Secretary to the 
United States of America for the Department of Foreign 
Affairs," who was required to "reside where Congress or a 
committee of the States should sit," and held his office dur- 
ing the pleasure of Congress. On July 27, 1789, after the 
adoption of the Constitution, the office was created an execu- 
tive department, to be known as the Department of Foreign 
Affairs, and the head as the "Secretary for tlie Department 
of Foreign Affairs." On September 15, 1789, the name was 
changedto Department of State, and the chief officer desig- 
nated Secretary of State. Tlie Secretary is ex oifficio a mem- 
ber of the Cabinet of the President of the United States, and 
carries out the instructions of tlie President, "agreeable 
to the Constitution," in all matters relating to diplomatic 
intercourse with foreign nations. Under this general pro- 
vision he is speciallj^ charged with tlie negotiation of all 
treaties with foreign Powers, and conducts all official corre- 
spondence with the diplomatic representatives of foreign 
governments resident in the United States, and with the 
diplomatic officers and consuls of the United States abroad, 
and grants passports to citizens of the United States leaving 
the country. He is the custodian of the seal of the United 
States, being governed in its use by the orders of the Presi- 
dent. He also prepares and attests the commissions granted 
to all officers confirmed by the Senate, and superintends the 
publication of all acts and resolutions of Congress, and for- 
eign and Indian treaties, and preserves the originals of the 
same. 

The organization of the Department of State consists of a 
chief clerk, first and second diplomatic, first and second con- 
sular, law, accounts, statistical, passport and pardons, and 
Commissioner's bureaus. There is also a translator. The 
domestic records comj)rise the miscellaneous correspondence 
not connected with the diplomatic and consular service. 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 131 



TEEASURY DEPARTMENT, 

The Treasury Department {open to the public dailij^ except 
Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m.) lies E. of the President's 
House, on the line of 15th St., and may be reached from the 
E. or W. by the Pennsylvania-av. line of street cars. 

Description of the Building— The general plan of the 
building measures 468 ft. from :N'. to S.. and 264 ft. from E. 
to W., or, inclusive of porticos and steps, 582 ft. by 300 ft. 
Tlie order is pure Grecian Ionic, the columns and pilasters 
running through three stories, above which is an attic, and 
below two stories in a basement, the lower one of rustic 
work. The sky-line of the entire building is surmounted by 
a stone balustrade. The building has fom* fronts. The W., 
which faces the city, consists of a colonnade 336 ft. long and 
30 Ionic columns, flanked on either side by a recessed portico. 
The colonnade and corresponding portion are of Vii-ginia 
freestone. 

The rest of the entire structure is granite, from Dix island, 
on tlie coast of Maine. The E. fronts facing the President's 
House, is broken by a grand central portico, consistiug of 8 
monolithic pillars front, and 2 in the recess in the centre, 
and the same in the recesses on either side. This portico is 
reached by a broad fliglit of steps. At either end, on the same 
line, are two small porticos, corresponding with those on the 
W. side. The N. and S. fronts are the same, consisting of a 
central portico with 8 columns front, and 2 in the recess. 
Steps descend to a broad tessellated platform, bounded on 
either side by a balustrade. The platform on the IST. front is 
below the level of the avenue. A beautiful fountain adds to 
the attractions of this front. On the S. the same platform 
stands a few feet above the level, which gives a very impos- 
ing effect- The shafts of all the columns in the extension 
are monolithic, 31J ft. high, 4 ft. in diameter, and weigh 33 
tons. Tlie pilasters are also single blocks of the same height, 
and weigh 6 tons. The cap-stones of the blockings, against 
which the steps abut, measure each 18 ft. X 17 ft. x20 in., and 
weigh 43 tons. The sills, piers, and cornice are of very fine 
design and workmanship. On the E., N., and S., on either 
side of the steps and platforms, are beautiful parterres, in 
summer filled with flowers and ornamental shrubs- The 
building has 4 principal entrances on a line with the order, 
and 3 in the basement on the W. front. The interior arrange- 
inent of the plan consists of 2 hollow squares, separated by a 
wing 57 ft. wide, and, exclusive of the main building, 120 ft. 



132 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 



deep, projecting W. These squares measure each 138 ft. by 
123 ft. The old portion of the present building, erected part- 
ly on the same site after the destruction of its predecessor, 
the S. E. executive building, in March, 1833, was designed 
by Kobert Mills, commenced in 1836, and ready for occupan- 
cy in 1841. It was of a T sliape, the colonnade fronting E., 
and a wing projecting W. The colonnade is after the style of 
the Temple of Minerva Pallas at Athens. In order to secure 
a uniformity of fronts, it is proposed to take down the colon- 
nade on the W. and replace it with a fapade corresponding 
with that on the E. This would necessitate the acquisition 
of a portion of the square opposite. In 1855 the extension 
was designed by Walter, and begun by Young, continued 
by Rogers, and finished by Mullett. The W. entrance is 
reached by a double flight of steps, into a vestibule formed 
of 6 Doric columns, supporting groined arches. In tlie cen- 
tre is the main corridor, dividing the building into two parts, 
and leading to the E. vestibule and entrance. On the r. and 




TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 



1. are corridors to the wings. A double stairway to the base- 
ment and the upper stories springs from this vestibule. There 
are also stairways in each angle and opposite the E. entrance. 
The vestibules of the N. and W. entrances are chastely de- 
signed, supported on iron columns. The corridors of the 
extension are broken by iron pilasters, and the capitals, cor- 
nice, and ceilings are ornamented with emblematic designs. 
The entrance on the S. front opens directly into the S. corri- 
dor. The buildino: contains 195 rooms, in addition to those in 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 133 

the sub-basement devoted to heating apparatus, shops, and 
store-rooms, and the attic, occupied by the Bm-eau of Engrav- 
ing and Printing. Cost, $6,00,000. 

The Secretary's room is on the second floor, W. corridor, a 
little S. of the central corridor, name over the door. The ob- 
jects of special interest in the building are the Cash Room and 
the Vaults. The business entrance to the Cash Room is on the 
first floor, :N^. corridor, reached from the W. door, turning to 
the r., or from tlie vestibule of the N". entrance. The public 
should view tlie room from the balcony, entered by a door on 
the S. side of the :Nr. corridor on the second floor. The par- 
ticular features of the room are the walls, wliich are of highly 
polished marbles of various varieties. List of marbles: Low- 
er Story— STYLOBATE, hase^ black, Vermont ; mouldings^ 
Bardiglio, Italian: stiles^ dove, Vermont; panels^ Sienna, 
Italian; dies, Tennessee. Above stylobate, pilasters 
and panel beads, wliite veined ; stiles, Sienna, Italian ; panels, 
Bardiglio, Italian ; cornice, white-veined, Itahaii. Upper 
Story — stylobate same as lower. Above stylobate as in 
lower story, except the panels, which are Sarrangolum mar- 
ble from the Pyrenees. 

The vaults, in which the current funds of the Government 
are kept, may be seen on a written permit from the Treasurer 
of tlie United States, whose office is in the NE, angle of the 
building, first floor. This permit should be delivered to tlie 
Casliier, who occupies the room entered by the first door W. 
of tlie entrance to the General Cash Koom. The vaults are 
of steel and chilled iron, about 20 by 15 ft. Another of the 
same capacity is overhead. The amount usually in the vault 
is about $1 0,000,000, including gold coin. The money is kept 
in packages or bags in the wooden cases. N'ear the door of the 
vault is an elevator, used for conveying money between the 
vaults above and the express office immediately below. As 
much as $5,000,000 have been shipped to the different sub- 
treasuries in a single day. The vault in which the national 
bank bonds are kept is on the same floor, near by. It may be 
seen in the same manner as that just mentioned, the permit 
being delivered to the Chief of the Division of National 
Banks, whose office is in the NW. angle of the building. In 
the basement are two reserve vaults, not open to visitors at aU. 

On the r. side of the W. corridor, after leaving the Cash 
Room, the operation of counting the currency may be seen 
through any of the doorways. None but employees are per- 
mitted to enter. The counting is done entirely by lady 
clerks. The facility and accm-acy with which their nimble 
fingers accomplish the work are not only marvelous, but 
extremely creditable to their skill. It may also be said, with 



134 TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 

respect to this class of employees of the Government, that 
they possess many qualifications of a very superior character. 

In the rooms of the Redemption Division^ in the N. corri- 
dor of the basement, the currency unfit for circulation, and 
received from all parts of the country, is counted and can- 
celled previous to being burned. The routine observed from 
the receipt of the money from the express company till its 
final destruction is extremely interesting. The cancelling is 
done by a machine run by means of a turbine wheel. In or- 
der to witness the operation, it will be necessary to obtain a 
permit from the Treasurer, the same as for a visit to the vaults. 

The Bu7^eaus of the Treasury Department proper are Ap- 
pointment, Warrant, Independent Treasmy, Customs, Rev- 
enue Marine, ISTavigation, Internal Revenue, Stationery, 
Captured and Abandoned Property, Special Agent, Super- 
vising Architect, Marine Hospital, Supervising Inspector 
General of Steamboats, Statistics, Mint, Mail Records and 
Files, Loans, Currency, Engraving and Printing, Light- 
House Board, Comptrollers, Conimissioner of Customs, 
Auditors, Treasurer's OtBce, Register's Office, Comptroller 
of the Currency, and Commissioner of Internal Revenue. 
The service outside of the Department consists of the Inde- 
pendent Treasury, Mints, Assay Offices, Depositories, Cus- 
toms, Internal Revenue, Life-saving Station, Light House, 
Marine Hospital, Revenue Marine, Special Agents and Com- 
missioners, Steamboat Inspection, and Coast Survey. 

The Bureau of Engravi7ig and Printing is in the attic, at 
the head of the 1. flight of steps leading up from the W. en- 
trance. No persons are admitted, except on the permit of 
the Secretary of the Treasury, and this is only granted in 
special cases to prominent financiers or officials of foreign 
governments. In these rooms are presses and other machin- 
ery for the final printing on United States bonds and other 
securities and notes, fractional currency, and internal reve- 
nue stamps. The preliminary printing^ as the backs, is done 
outside. The engraving for the final printing is also done in 
the bureau. About 500 men and women are employed. A 
100-horse-power engine runs the machinery. The paper is 
counted as issued, and no employee is permitted to leave till 
all the sheets are returned to the officer in charge of their 
custody. 

Photograpli Office. — Opposite the S. entrance is the build- 
ing occupied by the Photographer of the Treasury Depart- 
ment. Herey«c similes of accounts for verification by agents 
sent throughout the country or abroad, and plans and eleva- 
tions of public buildings, are made by means of photography. 
This work is carried on on a large scale. 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 135 

Coast Survey. — This important oflBce occupies a private 
building, erected, liowever, for its use, in 1871, on ISTew Jer- 
sey av., SE. of the Capitol, between B and C sts., W. side. 
The object of the service is the survey of the coasts of the 
United States on tide water. Its operations commenced in 
1807, but its permanent organization was not elfected till 183 J. 
In the building are preserved the original records and charts, 
topographical and hydrographic, from the beginning. The 
Standards of Weights and Measures are also kept here, and 
are under the control of the Superintendent of the Coast Sur- 
vey. From these the standards are furnished to the States. 
The balance for heavy weights is a fine specimen of workman- 
ship, and took the premium at the World's Fair at London. 
There is also a set of French weights and measures, presented 
to the United States. These interesting objects are not on 
general exhibition. Gentlemen of science, or others having 
a special purpose in \aew, may see them on application to the 
Superintendent. 

Secretaries of the Treasury. — 1789, Alexander Hamilton, 
]Sr. Y.; 1795, Oliver Wolcott,' Jr., Conn.; 1801, Samuel Dex- 
ter, Mass. ; 1801, Albert Gallatin, Penn. ; 1814, G. W. Camp- 
bell, Tenn. ; 1814, A. J. Dallas, Penn. ; 1816, W. H. Craw- 
ford, Ga.; 1825, Kichard Rusli, Penn.; 1829, S. D. Ingham, 
Penn. ; 1831, Louis McLane, Del. ; 1833, W. J. Duane, Penn.; 
1833, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1834, Levi Woodbury, K". H. ; 
1841, Thomas Ewing, Ohio ; 1841, W. Forward, Penn. ; 1843, 
J. C. Spencer, I^. Y. ; 1844, G. M. Bibb, Ky. ; 1845, R. J. 
Walker, Miss.; 1849, W. M. Meredith, Penn.; 1850, Thomas 
Corwin, Ohio ; 1853, James Guthrie, Ky. ; 1857, Howell Cobb, 
Ga. ; 18G0, P. F. Thomas, Md. ; 1861, J. A. Dix, N". Y. ; 1861, 
S. P. Chase, Ohio ; 1864, W. P. Fessenden, Me. ; 1865, H. 
McCuUoch, Ind. ; 1869, G. S. Boutwell, Mass. ; 1873, W. A. 
Richardson, Mass. 

The ''Department of the Treasury" was organized under 
act of Congress of September 2, 1789, with a Secretary of the 
Treasury as the chief officer, who is also ex officio a member 
of the President's Cabinet. It was the duty of the Secretary 
to manage the business pertaining to the revenue and the 
support of the public credit, to make estimates of revenues 
and expenditures, to collect the revenue, to decide the form 
of keeping and stating accounts and making returns, to grant 
warrants for moneys authorized by law, to execute such ser- 
vices relative to the sale of public lands as were required of 
him by law, to communicate information to Congress, and 
generally to perform all services relative to the finances. In 
1800 the Secretary was required to submit, at the commence- 



136 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 



merit of every session, a report on the finances of the Gov- 
ernment, with estimates of revenue and expenditures. Under 
the act of 1789 it was the duty of the Treasurer of the United 
States to receive and keep the moneys of the United States 
and to disburse the same upon warrants drawn by the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, countersigned by the Comptroller, and 
recorded by the Register. 



WAR DEPARTMEKT. 

The War Department {open every day^ Sunday excepted^ 
from 9 a. m. to 'dp. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and 
fronts on Pennsylvania av. In former days it was known as 
the NW. Executive Building. It will be taken down to give 
place to the new department now being erected. The Sec- 
retary's office is at the E. end of the corridor on the second 
floor. Here may be seen a gallery of portraits of the Secre- 
taries of War, by various artists, among whom are Sully, 
Healy, Weir, Huntingdon, Brackett, Young, and Ulke. The 
portrait of Callioun is an original, by Sully, and is very su- 
perior. It was taken from sittings. Tlie rest are copies. 
The Headquarters of the General of the Army are on the first 




WAR DEPARTMENT. 



floor, on the r., inside of the E. entrance. There are many 
objects of interest, including rare manuscripts, in the depart- 
ment ; but not in a condition to be seen. It is intended to 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 137 

set apart a room for their exhibition in the new building. The 
Arsenal and Medical and Ordnance Museums, the latter in 
Winder's building, will be found elsewhere. In rented build- 
ings are the Signal Office and Flag Room. The latter occupies 
the first floor of a small building Xo. 616 W. side of 17th St., 
opposite the War Department, {open from 9 a. m, to 3 p. m. 
daily, except Sunday. In one room are the United States 
and State Hags taken from the national forces and recovered 
upon tlie capture of Richmond. In the back room are the 
captured Confederate flags. They represent every State. 
Some are associated with interesting historic incidents, others 
are curious and novel. 

Signal Office. — {Open every day^ except Sunday., from 9 a, 
m. to 3 p. m.) The Chief Sii^nal Officer of the Army, under 
whose direction the national weather observations are made, 
occupies two contiguous brick buildings on the N". side of G- 
St., W. of the War Department. The stranger in the city, 
upon reaching the head of the street, cannot fail to notice 
them by a varietj^ of anemometers of divers sizes, and an- 
emoscopes or vanes projecting above the roof. A number 
of converging electric wires may be seen entering the build- 
ing, some communicating with self-registering instruments 
or connecting the telegraphic department of the office with 
the dilTerent stations in all parts of the country through the 
lines of the general telegrapliic companies. 

Tlie entrance for visitors is by the door ^o. 1719. They 
ascend to the instrument room in the fourth story. The 
chief interest centres in the Instrument Room., wliere may be 
examined the apparatus employed in the various meteoro- 
logical observations. These instruments are of the mog; ap- 
proved patterns, including the barometer, to show tlie atmos- 
plieric pressure and to indicate the passage of storms ; the 
thermometer, mercurial and spirit, for indicating the tem- 
perature of the air ; the li5^gi'ometer, to show the liumidity 
of the air; one maximum and one minimum thermometer, 
to indicate the highest and lowest temperatiu'e; the anem- 
ometer, for obtaining the velocity of the wind; the wind 
vano, or anemoscope, for indicating the direction of the wind; 
and the rain gauge, for noting the rain-fall. 

The roof of the building is devoted to the instruments and 
apparatus requiring open exposure to the weatlier, such as 
rahi-gauges, wind-vanes, and anemometers. A shelter also 
X^rojects from a window on the N., designed with special 
reference to tlie comparison of thermometers and other in- 
struments in an equal temperature. In addition to these 
instruments of common use, there is a complete set of self- 



138 WAR DEPARTMENT. 

reeording and photographic meteorological instruments, ope- 
rated by means of clock-work and electric batteries. There 
are also two cases containing a "panorama of the clouds," 
illustrating the different kind of clouds, showing the trans- 
formation of each type of clouds into its derivative. It also 
shows meteoric effects, especially the localization of clouds 
about the crest of peaks or on the summits of loftier moun- 
tain l-anges. There are also other instruments of general use, 
though not part of meterological science. Among these are 
a pentagraph, for transferring and reducing isobfCrometric 
and isothermal curves from paper to zinc; a' self-registering 
instrument for showing the rise and fall of rivers, and a 
terrestrial globe. 

In addition to the report of the meteoric condition of the 
United States, the office also receives the height of the vari- 
ous navigable rivers. The data thus collected is published 
throughout the country in the newspapers and at 4,491 post 
offices, in synopses and probabilities and weather maps. Cau- 
tionary signals are displayed at sea and lake ports for the ben- 
efit of vessels. A line of telegraphic wires connects the life- 
saving stations, by means of which cautionary signals are dis- 
played along the coast, thus warning small craft in time to 
seek shelter on the approach of a storm. In 1873 home re- 
ports were received from 78 stations, from Maine to Texas, 
and from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; also from 11 stations 
in Canada and 3 in the West Indies. 

All observations are made synchronously at the different 
stations at the exact hours of 7.35 a. m., 4.35 p. m., and 11.35 
p. m., Washington time. All reports are received and results 
distributed, except to post offices, over the lines of the prin- 
cipaji^telegraphic companies. 

The instruction of the army in military signaling and tele- 
graphy, and for supplying it with the necessary apparatus, 
previously conducted on an experimental basis, since 1870 
has been prosecuted with a degree of success which promises 
to materially simplify the difficulty of moving large bodies of 
troops or fleets of vessels, and to constitute an essential ele- 
ment of tactical operations, whether on the march or in bat- 
tle. Signal schools of instruction have been established. 

The successful and responsible organization of a military 
signal corps has led to a further extension of the service to a 
miiform course of instruction to apply to the army and navy 
and marines. 

On February 9, 1870, these satisfactory results in the orig- 
inal duty contemplated for tlie signal corps were supplement- 
ed by diverting the practiced skill of its officers and men into 
a still wider field of operations. 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 139 

To meet the additional duty, the labor of the Signal Bureau 
was distributed under two distinct heads. First, the Dimsion 
of Signals Proper^ to embrace the system of military signals 
and telegraphy, and to have charge of the instruction of offi- 
cers and men of any branch of the service designated for that 
duty. Second, the Dwision of Telegrams and Reports for the 
Benefit of Commerce. The organization of tliis new and novel 
service, in accordance with general orders, was immediately 
commenced by Col. Albert J. Myer, Brevet Brigadier G-eneral 
and Cliief Signal Officer of the Army. 

The stations are divided into two classes: First, stations of 
observation and report, and to which all reports of observa- 
tions elsewhere made are forwai'ded. Second, stations of re- 
port alone, or those at wliich observations elsewhere made 
are reported. 

On N'ov. 1, 1870, the preliminary arrangements having been 
perfected at 7.35 a. m., the first systematized synchronous me- 
teoric reports ever taken in the United States were read from 
the instruments by tlie observer sergeants of the signal ser- 
vice at 24 stations, and placed upon the telegraphic wires for 
transmission. A further extension of the utility of the ser- 
vice w^as made in Oct., 1871, after a series of satisfactory ex- 
periments, by the display of cautionary signals at ports on the 
Atlantic and the Gulf coast and the northern lalvcs. The 
sphere of usefulness of tliis important service is annually 
extended. 

Secretaries of War. — 1789, Henry Knox, Mass. ; 1795, 
Timotliy Pickering, Mass. ; 1796, James McHenry, Md. ; 

1800, Samuel Dexter, Mass. ; 1801, Roger Griswold, Conn. ; 

1801, Henry Dearborn, Mass. ; 1809, William Eustis, Mass. ; 
1813, John Armstrong, N". Y. ; 1814, James Monroe, Va. ; 
1815, W. H. Crawford, Ga. ; 1817, J. C. Calhoun, S. C; 1825, 
James Barbour, Va. ; 1828, P. B. Porter, IS". Y. ; 1829, J. H. 
Eaton, Tenn. ; 1831, Lewis Cass, Mich. ; 1837, Joel R. Poin- 
sett, S. C. ; 1841, John Bell, Tenn. ; 1841, J. C. Spencer, N. 
Y. ; 1844, W. Wilkins, Penn. ; 1845, W. L. Marcy, jST. Y. ; 
1849, G. W. Crawford, Ga. ; 1850, Gen.. Winfield Scott, ad 
tVi., Army; 1850, C. M. Conrad, La. ; 1853, Jefferson Davis, 
Miss.; 1857, J. B. Floyd, Va. ; 1860, J. Holt, Ky. ; 1861, 
Simon Cameron, Penn.; 1862, E. M. Stanton, Ohio; 1867, 
Gen. U. S. Grant, ad in.., Army ; 1868, Adj. Gen. L. Thomas, 
ad in.. Army; 1868, J. M. Schofield, 111.; 1869, J. A. Raw- 
lins, 111.; 1869, Gen. W.T. Sherman, j9. t., Army; 1869, W. 
W. Belknap, lo. 

Prior to 1789, under an ordinance for ascertaining the pow- 
ers and duties of the Secretary of War, that officer was cliarged 



140 NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

with the direct management of the military affairs of Con- 
gress, required to report to Congress tlie condition of the 
army and military stores and supplies, and to keep returns ; 
to make all military estimates ; to direct the operations of 
troops in the service, subject to the orders of Congress or the 
committees of the States ; to appoint and remove at pleasure 
all persons under him, being responsible to Congress for their 
conduct. Tlie office was created an executive department by 
the act of Congress August 7, 1789, to be known as the De- 
partment of War, and the chief officer as Secretary for the 
Department of War. He was required to execute the orders 
of the President of tlie United States, "agreeably to the 
Constitution," in all matters respecting military or naval af- 
fairs, to the granting of lands to persons entitled to the same 
for military services rendered to the United States, and rela- 
tive to Indian affairs. September 29, 1789, the military es- 
tablishment of 1787 was adapted to the Constitution. The 
early powers of the Secretary of War, by subsequent enact- 
ment, have been restricted to the exercise, under the direc- 
tion of tlie President, of jurisdiction ov^er the military service 
only. The Secretary of War is ex officio a member of the 
Cabinet. • 



NAVY DEPAKTMEI^T. 



This department {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. 
m. to ^ p. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and^vas for- 
merly designated the S W. E xecutive Building. This structure 
will shortly be taken down, to make space for the new depart- 
ment now being erected. The original building faced S. A 
wing erected in 18G4 now projects instead. The Secretary'' s 
office is at the S. end of the corridor on the second Hoor. The 
AdmiraPs office is at his residence, 1710 II st. NW. Tiie Na- 
val Observatory, Navy-yard, and Marine Barracks will be 
described under their appropriate heads. The Hydroyrapliic 
office^ NE. corner of 18th st. and New York av.NVV., occu- 
pies a rented building called the "Octagon," the residence of 
the President of the United States tiirthe restoration of the 
President's House after the occupation of tlie city in 1814. 
The Ilydrographic office was established in 1866, and is a 
branch of the Bureau of Navigation. Its objects are the col- 
lection of hydrographic information, preparation of sailing 
directions, the collection of charts, the engraving and print- 



NAVY DEPARTMENT. 141 

ing of new ones, and the re\ision of old ; also the care of all 
instruments except chronometers and compasses. 

Nautical Almanac Office — This branch of the Bureau of 
Navigation occupies a rented building, No. 807 22d st. NW. 
Was started at Cambridge, Mass., under an act of Congress, 
1849. In 18GG it was removed to Washington. The object 
is the computation of astronomical tables for the use of the 
Naval Observatory and Xavy. A set of tables is also printed 
for the merchant service, giving longitude of Washington and 
Greenwich. Under the act of 1850 the meridian of the Xa- 
val Observatory was adopted as the American meridian for 
astronomical and that of Greenwicli for nautical purposes. 
The almanac is prepared three years in advance. There is a 
fine astronomical library connected with tiie office. 

Secretaries of the Navy. — 1789, Henry "Knox, Ma«s. ; 1794, 
Timotliy Pickering. Penh.; 179G, James McHenry,Md. ; 1798, 
Benjamin Stoddert, Md. ; 1802, Robert Smith, Md.; 1805, 
Jacob Crowninshield, [Mass. ; 1809, Paul Hamilton, S. C; 
1813, William Jones, Penn.; 1814, B. W. Crowninshield, 
Mass. ; 1818, Smith Thompson, X. Y. ; 1823, S. L. Southard, 
X. J. ; 1829, Jolm Branch, X. C. ; 1831, Levi Woodbury, X. 
H. ; 1834, Mahlon Dickerson, X. J. ; 1838, J. K. Paulding, X. 
Y.; 1841. G. E . Badger, X. 0. ; 1841, A. P. Upshur, Va. ; 1844,. 
T. W. Gilmer, Ya. ; 1844, J. Y. Mason, Va. ; 1845, George* 
Bancroft, Mass. ; 1840, John Y. ]Mason, Va. ; 1849, W. B. 
Preston, Va. ; 1850, W. A. Graham, X. C. ; 1852, J. P. Ken- 
nedy, Md. ; 1853, J. C. Dobbin, X. C. ; 1857, Isaac Toucey, 
Conn. ; 1801, Gideon W^elles, Conn.; 1869, A.E. Boric, Penn.; 
18G9, G. M. Robeson, X. J. 

The naval service, previously under the direction of the 
Secretary of War, in April, 1798, was assigned to an execu- 
tive department created for the purpose, and designated the 
Department of the Xa\y, the chief officer of which was to be 
called the Secretary of the Xavy. His duties were to execute 
the orders of the President of the United States in all matters 
connected witli the naval establishment of the United States. 
During the same year the ^larine Corps was organized, as an 
adjunct to the naval establishment. 

In 1862 the department was reorganized by the division of 
its duties into eight bureaus, viz, Ordnance, Equipment and 
Recruiting, Yards and Docks, Xavigation, Medicine and Sur- 
gery, Provisions and Clothing, Steam Engineering, and Con- 
struction and Repair. 

The Secretary of the Xavy is ex officio a member of the 
Cabinet of the President of the United States. 



142 DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR. 



DEPARTIVIENT OF THE INTERIOK. 

This important department {open every day^ except Smi- 
day. from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies rooms on the N". cor- 
ridor, main floor, of the vast structure known as the Patent 
Office. TlieSecretar}'" of the Interior is charged witii the 
administration of affairs relating to patents, pubUc lands, 
pensions, Indians, census, education, and the beneficiary 
asylums in the District of Columbia belonging to the Gov- 
ernment. He is invested witli the powers, prior to the act of 
1873, exercised by the Secretary of State over the Territories 
of the United States, and also has supervisory control over 
the architect of the Capitol. The office of the Secretary is 
on the N. corridor, near the ISTE. corner of the building. In 
the Secretary's office are photographs of the Secretaries of 
the Interior. In the Chief Clerk's room, adjoining on the 
E., are portraits of Thomas Ewing and Caleb B. Smith, for- 
mer Secretaries, by Stanley. 

For description of the building, see Patent Office. 

Indian Office. — There are frequently delegations of Indians 
at the National Capital, brought here in connection with 
negotiations or business under treaties. The councils are 
held in the office of the Secretary of tlie Interior or Commis- 
sioner, in the N. corridor. On these occasions tlie red sons 
of tlie forest meet the representatives of the " Great Father,'* 
and negotiations are conducted in great form and ceremony, 
only lacking the wild surroundings of the savage country. 

Bureau of Education. — (Open every day, except Simday, 
from 9 a. m, to. 3}?. m.) — The Bureau of Education occupies 
a rented building on the NE. corner of G and 8th sts. ISTW., 
opposite the E. part of the N. facade of the Patent Office. 
There is a line library of educational works, and other objects 
of interest in the building. 

The fathers of the Republic recognized education as among 
the leading elements of prosperity and success. It was not, 
however, till long after the Constitution was established that 
the Government gave the subject a national recognition. In 
response to the growing sentiment in favor of public educa- 
tion, in 1832 Congress passed an act giving, in connection 
with a division of the proceeds of land sales, 12^ per cent, to 
certain States for educational purposes. This was vetoed by 
Jackson. In 1837 Congress authorized the deposit with the 
different States, in proportion to their representation, of mil- 
lions of the surplus funds in the Treasury for safe keeping 



DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR. 143 

and repayment when required. The income of this in a 
large number of the States was set apart for school purposes. 
Subsequently the acts admitting Oregon and Minnesota and 
other new States added to the 16th the 36th section of land 
in each township for school purposes. 

In 1862 followed the grants for colleges of agriculture and 
the mechanic arts. Taken in connection with previous acts of 
liberality for the same purpose, the. total of land grants in the 
interest of education amounted to 78,576,794 acres. If ex- 
tended to the eleven Territories when admitted to the Union, 
the aggregate will reach the magnificent endowment of 
79,566,791 acres, or 124,323 square miles. This area of terri- 
tory is greater than that of the whole of the British Isles, and 
over half the area of Imperial Germany or France. Or, valued 
at the Government price of $1 25 per acre, makes a donation 
of $99,458,492 50. All the nations in Christendom put to- 
gether have not done so much for the education and future 
happiness of their people. The idea of using the public do- 
main for educational purposes is not modern. In 1823 it was 
a subject of inquiry in the House of Kepresentatives, the 
proposition being to set apart a portion of this income to be 
distributed for the promotion of education in the several 
States. In 1824 a resolution was submitted in the same 
House to the effect that all money received from these sales 
ought to be appropriated exclusively for the support of com- 
mon schools and the construction of roads and canals. In 
1826 Mr. Dickinson in the Senate reported a similar resolu- 
tion, but without success. Out of the aid later afforded sprung 
the common-scliool system of the interior l^W. 

On March 2, 1867, Congress created a Department of Edu- 
cation, for the purpose of collecting such statistics and facts 
as show the condition and progress of education in the several 
States and Territories, and of diffusing such information re- 
specting the organization and management of schools and 
school systems and methods of teaching as may aid the people 
of the United States in the establishment and maintenance 
of cfiicient schools, and of otherwise* promoting the cause 
of education throughout the country. The management of 
the department was intrusted to a Commissioner appointed 
bj^ the Pi-esident and confirmed by the Senate. 

The Commissioner was required to report annually to Con- 
gress the results of his investigations and labors, together 
with a statement of such facts and recommendations as would 
in his judgment subserve the purposes for which the depart- 
ment was established. The next year Congress reduced the 
department to a bureau, to be called the '•'Office of Educa- 
tion," under the directions of the Secretary of the Interior. 



144 DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR. 

Survey of the Territories. — Office ISTW. corner of Pennsyl- 
vania av. and lltli st. ISTW., second floor, entrance outside, on 
lltli St. {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to ^ p. 
m.) Here will be found a complete and interesting collec- 
tion of pliotographs of the Avonders of the unknown West, by 
W. H. Jackson, and taken during the various expeditions con- 
ducted under the command and scientific direction of Dr. F. 
V. Hayden and business management of Captain James Ste- 
venson, his associate. The collection includes the Yellow- 
stone region, Utah. Wyoming, and Colorado, and 1,000 neg- 
atives illustrative of Indians and Indian life. Also, sketches 
by W. H. Holmes, and maps by J. T. Gardner. The United 
States geological surveys of the Territories, Dr. F. V. Hayden 
in charge, inaugurated in 18G7, under the Department of the 
Interior, have been continued from year to year by annual 
appropriations, and have constituted not only a most inter- 
esting and valuable but important national undertaking. 
These surveys have covered N^ebraska, Kansas, Colorado, 
N"ew Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. The Great 
Geyser basin and otlier wonders of tlie Yellowstone region, 
and tlie sublime mountain area of Colorado, were first brouglit 
within the range of geographical science by tliese expeditions. 
The publications of these surveys are received with satisfac- 
tion by scientific men and societies in America and Europe, 
and embrace tlie following : 8vo : Reprint 1st, 2d, and 3d An- 
nual Reports ; 4th, Wyoniing, 1870 ; 5th, Montana, 1871 ; 6th, 
Montana, 1872, and Final Report of Nebraska. Miscellane- 
ous: 1, Elevations; 2, Meteorology; 3, Handbook of Orni- 
thology — Coues; 4, Catalogue of Photographs — Jackson; Flora 
of Colorado — Porter fy Coidter. 4to : Extinct Vertebrate 
Fauna, vol. 1 — Leidy; Extinct Cretaceous Fauna, vol. 2 — 
Cope; Extinct Fauiia of W5^oming, vol. 3 — Cope; Extinct 
Fauna of Colomdo, vol. 4 — Co^je; Synopsis of Acrididne, vol. 
5 — Thomas; Fossil Flora of the West, vol. 6 — Newberry; Fos- 
sil Flora — Cretaceous, vol. 7 — Lesquereux; Fossil Flora — Ter- 
tiarj^, vol. 8 — Lesquereux; Fossil Invertebrata, vol. 9 — Meek; 
Sections, Profiles, &c., vol. 10 — Hayden. Other volumes will 
appear from time to time. These volumes contain a vast 
amount of scientific material and practical information fresh 
from the vast regions hitherto appropriately termed the un- 
known West. 

It is proposed next year to continue these surveys, by tak- 
ing a belt immediately W. of that covered in 1873, and also 
Ijing within Colorado. 

Secretaries of the Interior. — 1849, Thomas Ewing, Ohio ; 
1850, Thos. M. T. McKennan, Penn. ; 1850, A. H. II. Stuart, 
Va. ; 1853, Robert McClelland, Mich. ; 1857, J. Thompson, 



PATENT OFFTCE. 



145 



Mss.; 18G1, C. B. Smith, Ind. ; 1863, J. P. Usher, Inrl. ; 
18G5, James Harlan, lo. ; 1866, O. H. Brownhig, His. ; 1869, 
J. D. Cox, Ohio ; 1871, Columbus Delano, Oliio. 

The act of Mar. 3, 1849, created a home department, to be 
called the Department of the Interior, the head of which was 
to be called the Secretary of the Interior, to be appointed by 
the President with the ad\1ce and consent of the Senate. This 
officer was to hold by the same tenure and receive the same 
salary as the secretaries of the other executive departments. 
Tlie various branches of the public service under the admin- 
istration of the department have been given. The Secretary 
of the Interior is ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the 
President. 



PATENT OFFICE. 



The Patent Office occupies two squares, extending from 
7th to 9th sts. W. and from F to G sts. N., and is about equi- 
distant frorii the Capitol and the President's House. It may 
be reached from either by the Metropolitan or F-st. liorse rail- 
u-ay, which may be taken on 17th st. just beyond the Presi- 




PATENT OFFICE. 



dent's House or the SE. extension of the Capitol. Tl)e 
stranger should be certain to take a car for tlie Capitol on 
10 



146 PATENT OFFICE, 

17th St. Other cars of the same line run to Georgetown. 
The 7th-st. horse cars pass it on the E. The main entrance 
is on F St., and fronts 8th st. facing S. 

Description, — This immense pile, situated on the resen'a- 
tion set apart in the old plan of the city for the National 
Church or Mausoleum, is pure Grecian Doric, of massive pro- 
portions, and measures 410 ft. from E, to W. and 275 ft. from 
N. to S., with an elevation of 75 ft., surmounted by an aero- 
teria. The original structure, commenced in 1837 and finished 
in 1842, was 270 ft. front on F st. and 70 ft. deep, and was 
built of freestone from the Government quarries at Aquia 
Creek. It was designed by W. P. Elliott (Elliott & Town, 
engineers) and executed by Robert Mills. The E. Wing was 
authorized in 1849, and was commenced by Robert Mills, who 
was succeeded in 1851 by Edward Clark, assistant to the arch- 
itect of the Capitol, who completed the building in 1864. It 
consists of two wings, on the E. and W., and an intervening 
building on the JST., corresponding with the old structure on 
the S., the whole forming on an interior quadrangle 265 ft. 
by 135 ft. The E. Wing was occupied by the Secretary of 
the Interior in 1853. The new portions of the building are 
of Maryland marble on the exterior and granite on the quad- 
rangle. The first building is painted white to harmonize 
with the extension. The edifice rests on a sub-base of gran- 
ite, above which is a basement of the material of the super- 
structure, after which rises the order, pierced with two stories 
of windows, the whole surmounted by an acroteria to cor- 
respond with the earlier portion of the stiiicture, of appro- 
priate simplicity and dimensions. The exterior is entirely 
witliout display. The absence of ornament about tlie win- 
dows will be observed. A depression in the configuration of 
the site of the building brings the sub-basement into view on 
9th St. On 7th st. tlie level is on a line with the basement. 
Between the streets and the building on the S., E., and W. are 
small lawns and evergreens. The edifice has 4 fronts. In the 
centre, facing 8th st. W., is an imposing portico, approached 
by a lofty flight of granite steps which abut against propor- 
tionate blockings of the same material. The portico rests on 
a solid substruction of masonry, and is composed of two rows 
of 8 Doric columns, fluted, 6 ft. in diameter and 32 ft. high, 
and raised in sections and flanked by immense pilasters. It 
is modeled after the Parthenon, or Temple of Minerva, at 
Athens, and is of the same dimensions. A careful study of 
its proportions must impress the beholder with its grandeur. 
On the E. is a portico of a single row of 6 columns, and also 
reached from the street by a grand flight of steps. On the 



PATENT orncE. 147 

N. is a portico of 8 columns in a single row. The steps here 
do not ascend to the order, but to the base of the line of piers 
upon Avhich the portico stands. From this a door enters the 
basement. On the W. the portico corresponds with that on 
the E., mth the absence of the steps to the order, in this case 
the ascent being by a double flight to the basement. In the 
E. Wing there are 4 doors entering the basement, 2 of which 
are on the ]N'. and S. 

From the main portico a door opens into a spacious en- 
trance hall or vestibule, with an arched ceiling groined on 8 
Doric columns and 10 pilasters. On the r. and 1. runs a cor- 
ridor, which extends entirely around the main floor of the 
building, and upon whicli open the various otSces of the De- 
partment of the Interior. In the SE. angle is that of the 
Commissioner of Patents. Here will be found a set of en- 
gravings of the Commissioners, including a portrait of Dr. 
William Thornton., of Penn., designer of tlie original plan 
of the Capitol, and Superintendent of Patents in the State 
Department, 1803-1827. There is also a very valuable por- 
trait of Robert Fulton^ of Penn., inventor of the steamboat, 
and painted by himself. Fulton studied under Benjamin 
West, of Penn., president of tlie Koyal Academy of Fine 
Arts, London. There are also 8 artist proof engravings of 
celebrated inventors fi'om original paintings in the collection 
of and presented by B. Woodcroft, of the Great Seal Patent 
Office, London. The rooms of the Secretary of the Interior, 
tlie Indian, Pension, and Census Offices", are on the X. cor- 
ridor, the Oflice of Public Lands in the SW. angle, and the 
Libi-ary on the S. coiTidor, room 77, near and on tlie W. of 
the entrance hall. The visitor can make the entire circuit 
of the building by this corridor. (See Department of the 
Interior.) In each angle of the building are granite steps to 
the basement, where are ofllces and storage vaults. The 
building contains about 191 rooms, and cost $2,700,000. At 
the end of the entrance hall a double flight of steps, ascend- 
ing part way, unite and lead to a platform, from which a 
sash door opens into the Model Rooms of the Patent Office. 
Beneath these steps a double flight also descends into the 
basement. 

Model Rooms.— The model rooms of the Patent Office, sec- 
ond floor, {open every day^ except Sunday., from 9 a.m. to 3 p. 
w.,) which contain the model of every patent issued by tiie 
United States since 1836, consist of a magnificent suit of four 
halls, ranged on the four sides of the building, and around a 
spacious court. The models are grouped uiider 145 classes, 
and again subdivided into various smaller divisions, for con- 



148 



PATENT OFFICE. 



yenience of reference, 
indicating" its contents. 



Each case is provided with a card 




MODEL ROOM — SOUTH HALL. 



aS'. Hall^ (entrance.) — This is a superb apartment, 242 ft. 
long by 63 ft. wide and 30 ft. high. The prospect is broken 
by 36 doric coluDfins in quadruple rows, with their entablature, 
20 ft. high, and corresponding pilasters, which support a se- 
ries of groined arches of 10 ft. spring, artistically adjusted to 
secure both solidity and eft'ect. In the centre is a raised arch 
40 ft. high, of beautiful construction, and pierced by an aper- 
ture of 13 ft. in diameter. This part of the ceiling is admi- 
rably adapted to harmonize the range of arches on either side 
with the main design. The entire complicated structure of 
the room is of solid masonry. The general style of decora- 
tion is Pompeiian, with apjpropriate adaptation. The iron 
stairway opposite the door leads to a storage room over the S. 
portico, used for documents. Near the entrance door are a 
number of relics of historic value and interest. On the r. is 
the printing-press of Franklin, at which he worked in London 
in 1728. The case, nearly opposite, (No. 24,) contains a num- 
ber of Washington relics, including a set of china and cande- 
labra, presented to him by officers of the Society of the Cin- 
cinnati; one plate to Martha Washington from Gen. Lafayette, 
1781 ; the uniform of Washington, worn when he resigned 



PATENT OJjTICE. 149 

his commission in 1783; a tea-board presented him, and his 
sword, secretary, cane, compass, and sleeping-tent. Among 
other relics in the same case is the poat worn by Jackson at 
the battle of New Orleans ; Baron de Kalb's war saddle ; a 
sword presented to Commodore Biddle by the Viceroy of 
Pern ; sabres from Ali Paclia, Bey of Egypt, to the officers 
of the U. S. ship Concord, 1832 ; a coat of Gen. Paez, associ- 
ate of Simon Bolivar, and a cimeter. The case (No. 23) next 
on the W. contains the original of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence^ Washington's commission as commander-in-chief, 
dated at Philadelphia, June 19, 1775, treasure chest, furni- 
ture, part of a set, tents and tent poles, camp chest, andirons, 
curtains worked by Martha Washington, and two chairs. In 
the same case are two guns of antique pattern, presented to 
President Jefterson by the Emperor of Morocco, a model pat- 
ented by Abraham Lincoln in 1847, for an improved method 
of lifting vessels over shoals ; also a pair of gloves which be- 
longed to President Lincoln. In the S. hall are 57 cases con- 
taining models of artificial limbs, beer and wine, bleaching 
and dyeing, boots and shoes, caoutchouc, chemical miscella- 
neous, clasps and buckles, clay, coffin, cutlery, dental, draft- 
ing, electricity, fuel, gas, gunpowder, harness, horology, hose 
and belting, ice, leather, manures, measuring-instruments, 
oils, fats and glue, optics, paint, plating, preserving food, 
signals, stills, sugar, surgery, tanning, trunks. This hall was 
originally intended for an exhibition of home manufactures. 
In 1842 it was set apart for the valuable collections in natm-al 
history brought back by the expedition of Commodore, after- 
wards Rear Admiral, Charles Wilkes. These were subse- 
quently transferred to the National Museum in the Smithson- 
ian building. Later the plants, herbarium, and crania were 
transferred to the Botanical Garden and Agricultural and 
Medical Museums respectively. In the hall were also a number 
of interesting objects possessing historical associations, con- 
tributed by the various executive departments, or belonging 
to the National Institute. 

E. Hall— On the 1. the S. hall opens into the E. hall, 271 
ft. long and 63J ft. wide. The groined arches of the ceiling 
rest upon 28 marble piers and a requisite number of pilasters. 
It contains 130 cases, containing models of apparel, beds, 
boats, book-binding, builders' hardware, carding, cloth, cord- 
age, crinoline and corsets, dryers and kilns, educational, felt- 
ing and hats, fine arts, fire-arms, fisliing, furniture, games and 
toys, governors, jewelry, kitchen utensils, knitting and net- 
ting, lamps and gas-fitting, laundry, locks and latches, music, 
ordnance, paper-making, paper manufactures, photography, 
printing, projectiles, safes, sewing machines, ships, (2 classes,) 



150 PATENT OFFICE. 

silk, spinning, stationery, steam, (3 classes,) stoves and fur- 
naces, toilet, umbrellas and fans, valves, weaving. 

N. Hall, reached from the E. hall, is 266 ft. long by 59| 
wide. The vast room is covered by a paneled ceiling com- 
posed of iron girders, and entirely without support in the liall. 
The number of cases here are 88, containing models of aera- 
tion and bottling, baths and closets, bee hives, bolts, nuts, 
and rivets, brakes and gins, casting, dairy, files, garden and 
orchard, grinding and polishing, hardware manufacture, har- 
rows, harvesters, horse shoes, metallurgy, metal working, (7 
classes,) mills, nails, needles and pins, ores, plows, pneumat- 
ics, pumps, railways, (4 classes,) saws, seeders and planters, 
sheet metal, stabling, tubing and wire, water distribution, 
water wheels, wire-working, wood-screws, wood-working, (4 
classes.) 

W. Hall is 271 ft. long, 64 ft. wide, and is the same in gen- 
eral design as the N". It contains models of bridges, brushes 
and brooms, butchering, carpentry, carriages and wagons, 
excavators, fences, glass, hoisting, hydraulic engineering, 
journals and bearings, masonry, mechanical powers, paving, 
presses, roofing, stone, lime and cement, threshing, tobacco. 

History. — The Patent Office of the United States, whei-e 
models of all inventions patented since the fire of 1836 are 
carefully preserved for exliibition,^ is an institution without 
an equal in the world, and speaks, though silently, more for 
the liigh character, and thoughtful, reflecting, energetic, and 
practical bias of the American mind than could be expressed 
in volumes of written history or description. We are able 
here to trace, in practical detail, the progress of mechanical 
arts in the United States, at least since 1836, and but for the 
unfortunate and accidental destruction of the early models, 
this same interesting investigation could be carried back to 
the beginning of the Government. The first legislation in 
Congress on tlie subject of inventions was the act of 1790 to 
promote the progress of useful arts, which authorized any 
person to petition the heads of any of the executive depart- 
ments for a patent for any new invention. The patents were 
recorded in the office of the Secretary of State. 

The rapid increase in the number of inventions early led 
Congress into special provisions for the accommodation of the 
Patent Office. lu 1810 the erection or purchase of a suitable 
building for the use of the General Post Office and keeper of 
the patents and arrangement of the models was authoiized. 
Under this authority a structure known as Blodgett',>^ Hotel, 
situate on E st., between 7th and 8th sts. w., now the site of 
the General Post Office, was secured. Up to 1820 all appli- 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 151 

cations for patents were examined by a clerk in the office of 
tlie Secretary of State. In that year Dr. Thornton, appoint- 
ed by ISli'. Jefferson to issue patents, took upon himself tlie 
title of Superintendent of the Patent Office. The most im- 
portant measure, however, was the act of July 4, 183G, by 
which the Patent Office was created a separate bureau of the 
Government, and its chief officer received the title of Com- 
missioner of Patents. 

In Dec, 1836, the building was completely consumed by 
fire, and among the losses were the models accumulated dur- 
ing a period of nearly half a century. This was an irre- 
parable calamity. After the fire the business of the bureau 
was transacted in the City Hall, and remained there until it 
was removed to its present massive and imposing building. 

The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins on July 3i, 
1790, "for making pot or pearl ashes," and. the second to 
Joseph Stacey Sampson, August 6, 1790, "for manufacturing 
candles." jS'o residence is given. In 1823 the number of 
models was 1,819. 

Up to 1836. a period of forty-six years, 10,301 patents were 
issued, and from July 4, 1836, to July 4, 1873, 140,000, ap- 
proximately an annual average of 224 against 3,783. The 
number of patents granted for 1873 was 13,590* 

On Jan. 1, 1873, the patent fund, from excess of fees over 
expenditures amounted to $794,111 42. The annual receipts 
amount to about $700,000, and expenditures $660,000. A 
considerable sum out of the patent fund went to the erection 
of the building. 



geio:kal POST office. 

The General Post Office (open every day^ except Sunday^ 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands opposite the Patent Office, 
on F St., and covers the square between 7th and 8th sts. W. 
and E and F sts. N. It may be reached by the F-st. horse 
cars from the E. and W., and those on 7th st. from the N. 
and S. parts of the city. 

Description. — The edifice occupied by the General Post 
Office, taking its general style from the columns, is Corinth- 
ian, and is the most richly finished public building at the 
capital. The E-st. portion was commenced in 1839, and 
finished by Robert ]Mills, architect, and constructed of marble 
from New York quarries. In 1842 Congress purchased the 



152 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 



IST. half of the square to F st., and in 1855 the extension of the 
builclino- over that sp^ce was executed by Captain M. C. 
Meigs, United States Engineers, superintendent, and Edward 
Clark, assistant, from designs by T. U. Walter, architect of 
the Capitol, and was built out of Maryland marble. As thus 
completed, the building measures 30*0 ft. N. and S., and 204 
ft. E. and W., and has two stories, resting on a rustic base- 
ment, below which are vaults. In the centre is a court 194 
ft. long by 95 ft. wide. The fajades are of white marble. 
The court is faced with gTanite. Above the basement rise 
the various features of the order, including monolithic col- 
umns and pilasters, with beautifully-worked capitals, the 
whole extending through two stories, upon which rest the 
architrave, frieze, and cornice', crowned by a paneled acro- 
teria. The main front is on E st. Tlie S. or main entrance 
is in the basement, reached by marble steps, and is formed 
of two Doric columns, one on either side, and opens into a 
vestibule, on the r. and 1. of which are corridors, leading to 
marble staircases to the upper stories. Over this entrance 
are four attached columns of the Corinthian order. The E. 
front is broken by u central projection of six columns, the 
outer ones being coupled ; and on either side, towards the 
extremities oi this front, is a smaller projection of four at- 
tached columns, coupled. Beneath the central projection is 




GENERAL POST Ofi'JCE. 

a vestibule, supported on four Doi-ic columns and four corner 
piers. The ceiling, walls, and floor are finished in white 
marble, and on either side is a niche. The W. front is the 
same as tlie E. A carriageway here opens into the court, 
where the mails are received and despatched. Th keystone 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 153 

of the arch of this entrance is intended to represent Fidelity. 
On either side are figures in hasso relievo^ sj^mbolizing Steam 
and Electricity. 

The W. front presents a recessed portico, consisting of 8 
coupled columns resting on an arcade of rustic piers corres- 
ponding with the basement. There are entrances to the 
general office on the r. and 1. of the central arcade, and from 
which passages or steps lead to the corridors on the same floor 
or above. The corridors are on three sides only. The build- 
ing cost ^1,700,000. 

The Postmaster GeneraVs office is on the floor above the 
basement, S. side of S. corridor. Here may be seen a set of 
photographs of the Postmasters General. The Dead Letter 
office Is on the X. side, entered from the N". end of the E. 
corridor tln*ough a passage or anteroom. To gain admission 
it will be necessary to procure a permit from the chief clerk 
of the Finance office, on the same floor and in the SW. angle. 
The building contains 81 rooms. The stau-ways are in the 
angles of the building. 

City Post Office. — The City Post Office occupies the cen- 
tral portions of the IsT. front. The Letter Delivery and Stamp 
department is entered through the 3 arched doorways under 
the N. portico. The ceiling, which is of iron and bricl^, is 
supported on granite piers. The doors on the r. and 1., out- 
side, before entering, lead, in addition to the corridors and 
stairways, to the Chief Clerk's and Money Order and Eegis- 
tered Letter offices respectively. (See General Information.) 

History.— Before the erection of the present edifice the 
General Post Office occupied a building which stood on the 
S. half of the square, known as Blodgett's Union Public 
Hotel. It was 120 ft. long, 50 ft. wide, and 3 stories high; 
designed by James Hoban, and built of brick, ornamented 
with freestone. It was commenced in 1793. The structure, 
however, was nevei- completed by its projector. The plan 
was to erect it out of the proceeds of a lottery. The owner 
of the prize ticket w^as an orphan child, who Avas without the 
means of carrying on the work. The theatre of the national 
metropolis held performances in it for a time. A number of 
Irish and other emigrants also occupied the basement free of 
rent. In 1810 it was purchased by the Government. After 
the burningof the Capitol, Congress held one session in it as 
the only suitable building in the city. It was also occupied 
by the General and City^Post Offices, Patent Office, and Li- 
brary of Congress. The latter was removed to the Capitol 
in 1818, The building and contents were entirely destroyed 



154 DEPARTMENT OP JUSTICE. 

by fire on Dec. 15, 1836. Private buildings were subsequently 
occupied till the completion of the present structure. 

Postmasters General. — 1789, Samuel Osgood, Mass. ; 1791, 
Timothy Pickering, Mass. ; 1795, Joseph Habersham, Ga. ; 
1802, Gideon Granger, Conn. ; 1814, K. J. Meigs, Ohio ; 1823, 
John McLean, Ohio; 1829, W. T. Barry, Ky. ; 1835, Amos 
Kendall, Ky. ; 1840, J. M. Niles, Conn. ; 1841, Francis Gran- 
ger, N. Y. ; 1841, C. A. Wickliffe, Ky. ; 1845, Cave Johnson, 
Tenn. ; 1849, Jacob Collamer, Vt. ; 1850, N. K. Hall, N. Y. ; 
1852, S. D. Hubbard, Conn. ; 1853, James Campbell, Penn.; 
1857, A. V. Brown, Tenn. ; 1859, J. Holt, Ky. ; 1861, Hora- 
tio King, Me. ; 1861, Montgomery Blair, Md. ; 1864, W. Den- 
nison, Ohio; 1866, A. W. Kandall, Wis.; 1869, J. A. J. 
Cresswell, Md. 

On Sept. 22, 1789, Congress passed an act for the temporary 
establishment of the Post Office. The powers and salary were 
the same asunder the resolutions and ordinances passed by 
the Congress of the Confederation. The Postmaster General 
was made subject to the direction of the President in all mat- 
ters pertaining to his office. In 1792 a '' General Post Office " 
was permanently established, under immediate dh-ection of 
a Postmaster General, who was authorized to appoint an as- 
sistant and deputy postmasters at all places where found 
necessary, and to provide for carrying the mail of the United 
States "by stage-carriages or horses." From this primitive 
beginning the operations of the General Post Office have ex- 
panded to a degree fully up to the requirements of the increased 
population and intelligence of the people. 

The Postmaster General is ex officio a member of the Cabi- 
net of the President. Previous to 1829 he was not so recog- 
nized. The precedent was established by President Jackson, 
who invited Postmaster General Barry to a seat in the Cabinet. 



DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

The Department of Justice {open every day^ except Sunday^ 
from 9 a. m. tod p. m.) occupies rented accommodations on 
the upper floors of a fine building on Pennsylvania av. be- 
tween 15 and 15^ sts., and opposite the Treasury Depai-tment, 
erected by the Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company. The 
entrance is at the W. end. The Attorney GeneraVs Office 



BEPARTMEN-r OF JtJSTlCE. 155 

is near the top of the first flight of stairs. Here may be seen 
a number of fine portraits of the Attorneys Greneral of the 
United States. Under the Attorney General are the oflicers 
of the District and Circuit Courts of the United States, the 
Reform School, Metropolitan Police, and Jail of the District 
of Columbia, and tlie law oflicers of the difterent depart- 
ments. 

Attorneys General. — 1789, Edmund Randolph, Va. ; 1794, 
William Bradford, Penn. ; 1795, diaries Lee, Va. ; 1801, Levi 
Lincoln, Mass. ; 1805, Robert Smith, Md. ; 1805, John Brecli- 
enridge, Kv. ; 1807, Caesar A. Rodney, Del. ; 1811, William 
Pinknev, Md.; 1814, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1817, William 
Wirt, Va. ; 1829, J. M. Berrien, Ga. ; 1831, Roger B. Taney, 
Md. ; 1833, B. F. Butler, ]S'. Y. ; 1838, Fehx Grundy, Teun. ; 

1840, H. D. Gilpin, Penn.; 1841, J. J. Crittenden, Ky. ; 

1841, H. S. Legare, S. C. ; 1843, John Nelson, Md. ; 1845, 
John Y. Mason, Va. ; 1846, Nathan Clifford, Me.; 1848, 
Isaac Toucey, Conn. ; 1849, Reverdy Johnson, Md. ; 1850, J. 
J. Crittenden, Ky. ; 1853, Caleb Gushing, Mass.; 1857, Jer. 
S. Black, Penn.: 1860, E. M. Stanton, Penn.; 1861, Ed- 
ward Bates, Mo.; 1864, James Speed, Ky. ; 1866, H. F. 
Stanbery, Ohio; 1868, W. M. Evarts, N. Y. ; 1869, E. C. 
Hoar, Mass.; 1870, A. T. Ackerman, Ga.; 1872, G. H. Wil- 
liams, Oregon. 

The Executive Department of the Government of the 
United States, known as the Department of Justice, of wliich 
the Attorney General is the head, was created by act of Con- 
gress approved June 22, 1870. The oflice of Solicitor Gen- 
eral was also created to assist the Attorney General and act 
during his absence. All prosecutions on behalf of the Gov- 
ernment are conducted by the department. The Attorney 
General reports annually to Congi-ess tlie business of his 
department, and any other matters appertaining thereto that 
he deems proper, including statistics of crime under the laws 
of the United States, and as far as practicable, under the laws 
of the several States. The Attorney General is also required 
to give his advice and opinion upon all questions of law, 
when asked for by the President of the United States, or 
when requested by the heads of one of the Executive De- 
partments. He is also, ex officio., a member of the Cabinet 
of the President. 

Not only is the Department constantly employed in in- 
vestigating the qualities of foreign agricultural products, 
with a view to their introduction into the United States, but 
in collecting a vast amount of foreign and domestic scientific 
and practical information of value to the agriculturist. 



156 DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 



DEPAKTMENT OF AGKICULTURE. 

The Department of Agriculture {open daily^ except Sunday^ 
from 9 a, m. to 3 p. m.) occupies that portion of tlie Mall lying 
E. of 14tli St., and between the Washington Monument and 
the Smithsonian Institution. The building commands a view 
of the business quarter of the city, and in turn itself makes a 
fine appearance from 13th st. W., which it faces. 

Grounds. — The grounds in the immediate vicinity of the 
building are beautifully laid out. On the N. front is a con- 
creted surface the entire length of the building, and 50 ft. 
wide, which makes a spacious cari-iageway to the main en- 
trance, and is also used by pedestrians. A terrace wall 
about 4 ft. high, ornamented with stone balusters and pedi- 
ments with plant vases, i-uns the length and parallel with 
the front of the building, and at a distance of about 100 yds. 
At each extremity of the wall is a small iron pavilion of 
suitable design. The terrace divides what are known as the 
Upper and Lower Gardens. The former is laid out in beds, 
with intervening walks, and is devoted to flowers, vases, and 
rustic statuary. The lower, and all the grounds lying in 
front of the building line, with the exception of the flower 
garden, has been laid out as an arhoretum., with walks and 
drives, and a well-selected collection of the hardier trees and 
shrubs. The flower garden contains no shade trees, which 
afi'ords an unbroken view of the building. The trees and 
plants in the arboretum are planted on strictly botanical 
rules, the order and tribe of plants being grouped. The 
effect, however, by careful arrangement of the blending 
types is peculiarly atttactive, and has not the formal appear- 
ance of a scientific classification. 

Plant Houses.— On the W. of the department building are 
the plant houses. The main structure is 320 ft. long and 30 
ft. wide E. and W., with a Aving 150 ft. long projecting to 
the rear or S. of the centre of the main building. The centre 
pavilion is 60 ft. long, 32 ft. wide, and 30 ft. high, and is de- 
voted to palms and the larger tropical plants, such as ban- 
anas, pine apples, &c. The pavilions at the extremity; of the 
wings are 30 ft. square, 26 ft. high, and are the orangery and 
for other semi-tropical fruits. These terminal pavilions are 
joined to the centre by connecting ranges 100 ft. long, 25 ft. 
wide, and 17 ft. high, and are occupied by the miscellaneous 
collection of plants of practical use, such as medical plants 
and those furnishing textile fibres, useful gums, sugars, and 



DEPARTxMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 157 

dyes. The S. projecting wing is the grapery, and contains 
the fine collection of foreign grapes. The roots are planted 
in borders on the ontsicie, and the stems are conducted into 
the grapery throngh apertnres in the brick wall. The dark 
varieties are on one side and the light on the other. There 
are 100 varieties in all. 

The plant houses are heated by means of hot water, circu- 
lated through 5,000 ft. of 4-in. pipe, and supplied by two 
boilers. The boilers are arranged with a cut-ofi', so that they 
may be operated separately or togetiier. 

These houses are not only pleasing in their architectural 
effect, but are substantially constructed, having foundation 
walls of red sandstone, witli bluestone bases and caps. The 
doors and windows of the centre and wings are designed in 
moresque arches. Brackets uphold the cornice from which 
the cupola roof rises. The main entrance projects from the 
main building, and has three arched openings. The frame 
of the structure is of iron and wood substantially built. The 
roof ia covered with American glass of double thickness, and 
curved expressly for the purpose. The cost of these struc- 
tures was $75,000. In the rear of the front line of the de- 
partment building and plant houses are the experimental 
grounds, covering about 10 a., those lying in the rear of the 
plant houses being set apart for experimental gardening, and 
those in the rear of the building, and occupying the SE. angle 
of the enclosure, for the experimental orchards and stables 
and yard. The object of these grounds is for testing varieties 
of small fruits, seeds, and for the propagation and culture of 
hardy plants. 

Building. — The building erected for the special use of the 
Department of Agriculture was completed and occupied in 
1868. It is of the renaissance style of architecture, 170 ft. 
long by 61 ft. deep, with a finished basement, three full 
stories and mansard roof. The front presents a centre build- 
ing, with main entrance, and is flanked by two wings. The 
edifice is constructed of pressed brick, with brownstone bases, 
belts, cornices and trimmings. The designs were prepared 
by Adolf Cluss, architect, and the work of erecting, fitting 
up, and furnishing the building was done by contract, under 
the superintendence of the architect, at a cost of $140,420, 
which also included the scientific apparatus for the laboratory. 

The main entrance is on the N. front. The doors are of 
oak and ash woods, and open into a vestibule 20 ft. square 
and 10 ft. high. The floor of the vestibule is laid in encaustic 
tiles of chaste design. The walls are finished in panels, in 
encaustic paint, and the ceilings are decorated in fresco, 



158 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



representing an arbor of vine foliage, held by American eagles 
with spread wings. Ornamentation in arabesque patterns 
jningle with four medallions, illustrating, through a carefully- 
wrought landscape, light and shade and human figures, the 
four seasons, the four divisions of the day, and the four ages 
of man. 

From the vestibule divides a wide corridor. Opening on 
this corridor are the offices, 20 ft. square, library in the W. 
wing, and reception room. All these rooms are more or less 
decorated. 




The Chief Clerk's room is a fine specimen of the applica- 
tion of wood to plastered walls, known as "American wood 



DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 159 

hanging." In the Commissioner's room the panels, in bird's- 
eye maple, are bordered by friezes in mahogany and blistered 
walnut, alternating with paneled pilasters in mahogany and 
satin wood, all parted by curly maple, relieved by a tracing 
of gilt. The private office of the Commissioner has a more 
subdued and appropriate finish, the friezes being of bh-ch, 
borders of black walnut, and panels of mountain ash. The 
clerks' rooms are finished in encaustic oil paint, plain, with 
frescoed ceilings. The librarj^ at the W. terminus of the 
corridor is fitted up with mahogany cases. The suite of 
rooms at the E. terminus of the corridor is devoted to tlie 
uses of the laboratory, where analyses are made of soils, fer- 
tilizers, and agricultural productions, and the results recorded 
for future use. 

Museum.— Opposite the vestibule a double flight of stairs 
of wrought and cast iron, lighted by a large stained-glass 
window, leads to the second floor, and into the Museum of 
Agriculture, This hall occupies the central or the main build- 
ing, and is 102 ft. in length, 52 ft. in width, and 27 ft. in 
height. A covered stuccoed cornice extends around the hall, 
broken at regular intervals by brackets, in which are wrought 
busts of Indians. The cove is ornamented bj^ flowers and 
f ruics, witli medallion shields bearing the arms of the United 
States and the 37 States of the Union in their ciu'onological 
order. The ceiling is (li\dded into 15 panels, embellished with 
rosettes. A soft color, harmonizing with the ornamentation 
of the hall, is employed genei-aliy on the walls. For the ac- 
commodation and secmity of the agricultural collection^ the 
hall has been supplied with dust-proof walnut frames, sur- 
mounted by architraves, friezes, and cornices, and carved 
volutes, witli intermediate vases and busts. 

The Museum (which will be explained by an attendant) 
shows tlie agricultural productions of the United States, and 
manufactures therefrom, also liow the former are atfected by 
climate, insects, birds and animals — injurious or beneficial. 
It is divided into general, State, and economic. The general 
division illustrates the history of agricultural products. The 
fruits and vegetables are modeled in plaster of Paris, and 
colored in oil, to represent nature. The sillv case is particu- 
larly interesting, showing every varietj'- of silk-producing 
insect, native or foreign, domestic or wild, and the produc- 
tion of silk, from the Q:gg; to its highest state of fabrication. 
The State and economic divisions, when completed, will 
show in a single case the mineral and agricultural produc- 
tions, and economic substances manufactured therefi-om of 
eacJi State. 



160 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

The principal object of the Musenm is utility, to include all 
the products of agriculture, and bearing upon the increase of 
knowledge in that important branch of industry. The cab- 
inet of wlieats embraces specimens of that principal cereal 
from every part of the globe. The collection is grouped as 
follows, by cases, commencing on the N". of the W. door : 

1st and 2d cases, birds and animals beneficial or injurous 
to agriculture. The beneficial of the former are designated 
by a perch with a white* end, and the injurious by one%vith a 
partly black end. By the side of each is a box containing 
the contents of the stomach, showing in what manner bene- 
ficial or injurious ; 3d, domestic poultry, type specimens ; 4th, 
birds that can be introduced into the United States with bene- 
fit ; 5th, miscellaneous vegetables from California and the trop- 
ics, and corns ; 6th, native grains ; 7th, E. case of S. range for- 
eign grains ; 8th, flour, starches, sugars, and vegetable drugs, 
dyes, &c. ; 9th, paper and paper materials ; lOth, silk, in 
every stage, from the laying of the egg to the finest manu- 
facture of the Jacquard loom ; 11th, animal and vegetable 
fibre, including wools, and China grass; 12th, vegetable 
fibre, including cotton, flax, hemp, &c. The line of cases in 
the centre of the hall contain principally models of American 
fruits: those at the E. end specimens of woods. The table 
opposite the head of the main stairway is of red wood, the 
top consisting of a single piece, sawed from one of the great 
trees of California, and measures 12 ft. long and 7| ft. wide. 
The Museum was arranged by Townend Glover, the entom- 
ologist of the department. 

The Entomological Collection in the room W. of the Museum 
comprises a great variety of the N". American and foreign in- 
sects known to agricultural entomologists. The American 
insects are represented in engravings on copper, by Mr. 
Glover, showing every stage of their transformation, witli 
references to note-books by the same gentleman, giving their 
natural history and directions for destroying them. "There 
is also a very interesting collection of insect injury and arch- 
itecture. 

The Taxidermist and Model rooms of the Museum are on 
the 3d floor adjoining the Herbarium. 

The Herbarium is on the 3d floor E., and reached by the 
stairwaj'' at the E. door of the Museum. It contains 200 nat- 
ural orders and 25,000 species of plants. The first collection 
was transferred from the Smithsonian Institution, and com- 
prised the specimens brought home by the Wilkes expedition. 
The purpose is to make the collection as complete as possible 
in American plants. The specimens gathered by the various 
United States exploring expeditions are all deposited here. 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



161 



The rest of the 3d floor is devoted to various purposes, prin- 
cipally the assorting and putting up of seeds. An elevator 
brings this floor in convenient access from the basement. 




PLANT HOUSE — CENTKAL PAVILION. 



History.— While the earliest efforts of the founders of the 
republic were turned with a fostering care towards com- 
merce and manufactures, little or nothing was actually done 
in the interests of agriculture. Washington and some of 
his immediate successors manifested a regard for this ieaa- 
ing industry, and it was then urged that it should be placed 
under the protection of the government. Congress, how- 
ever, opposed any such measure. * „ , , - ^.^ 

The claims of agriculture were first successfully brought to 
the consideration of Congi-ess by Henry L. Ellsworth, of 
Conn. In 1836 Mr. Ellsworth was appointed Commissioner 
of Patents, the first person holding that oflace under the act 
of July 4, 1836. Shortly after assuming the duties of his 
office he turned his attention to the necessities which then 
appeared of encouraging improvements in agricultural impie- 
meiits, and the '' establishment of a regular system for the 
selection and distribution of grain and seeds of the choicest 
varieties for agricultural purposes." Under the administra- 
tion of the second Adams, instructions from the State Depart- 
ment to consuls of the United States required those officers to 
forward rare plants and seeds to the department for distri- 
bution. At the same time a botanical garden was established 
11 



162 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 

at Washington as a place for the custody of all plants so 
received. 

Dming the first two years of his Commissionership, with- 
out any legal authority, Mr. Ellswortli received and distrib- 
uted the seeds and plants which reached him through the 
Department of State. In his first annual report, 1838, he 
urged upon Congress the establishment at the National Capi- 
tal of a depository "of new and valuable varieties of seeds 
and plants for distribution to every part of the United States,'* 
and recommended that the duty be placed under the Patent 
Office. Congress was indifferent. On Marcli 3, 1839, a bill 
was passed appropriating $1,000 out of the Patent Office fund 
"for the purpose of collecting and distributing seeds, prose- 
cuting agricultural investigations, and procuring agricultural 
statistics." This gave rise to the agricultural division of the 
Patent Office. 

The Department of Agriculture was established by act of 
Congress dated May 15, 1862, "to acquire and dift'use among 
the people of the United States useful information on sub- 
jects connected with agriculture in the most general and com- 
prehensive sense of that word, and to procure, propagate, 
and distribute among the people new and valuable seeds and 
plants." The chief executive officer was to be known as the 
Commissioner of Agriculture, to be appointed by tlie Presi- 
dent and confirmed by the Senate. The Department, before 
occupying its present abode, had rooms in the basement of 
the Patent Office. 

There are now annually distributed about 1,200,000 pack- 
ages of seeds, and 25,000 bulbs, vines, cuttings, and plants. 

Tlie publications of the Department consist of an annual 
report of about 700 pages octavo, containing much useful ag- 
ricultural information, for general distribution, and monthly 
reports of about 48 pages octavo, on the condition of tlie crops. 
Of tlie annual report from 225,000 to 275,000 are printed and 
bound, and of the monthly reports about 28,000 copies, dis- 
tributed as follows: to newspapers, 5,000; to correspond- 
ents, 8,000 ; to agricultural societies, members of Congress, 
foreign exchanges, &c., 15,000. The Department receives a 
large number of newspapers, including those of the leading 
cities of the United States, by subscription, and all the agri- 
cultural papers, and many of the daily and weekly papers of 
the rural districts, by exchange. 

There are two Assistant Attorneys General and the office 
of Solicitor of the Treasury. The details to other depart- 
ments are, of the Interior, Assistant Attorney General; 
Treasury, Solicitor of Internal Revenue ; State, Examiner of 
Claims ; and Navy, Naval Solicitor. 



NATAL OBSERVATORY. 163 



NAVAL OBSEKVATORY. 



The United States N'aval Observatory is one of the leading 
astronomical establishments in the world. It is open every 
day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. The watchman 
will show visitors through the building. Night visits are very- 
much restricted in consequence of the interference with the 
astronomical work. The street cars on Pennsylvania av. run 
within 10 min. walk. Visitors should alight at 24th st. W. 
The Observatory is at the foot of that street. 

Site. — The Observatory occupies a commanding site on the 
N". bank of the Potomac, 96 ft. above tide, aiid originally 
known as Peters' Hill, after its proj^rietor. The beautiful 
grounds comprise 19 a. within the walls, and constitute what 
is designated Reservation No. 4 on the original plat of the 
city. There are many interesting historiccd associations con- 
nected with the site. In 1755 a portion of Braddock's army 
camped here on the march from Alexandria to the fatal field 
on the banks of the Monongahela. On the Potomac bank is 
a rock upon which the troops were landed, and known as 
Braddock's rock. In 1792 it was proposed to erect a fort 
and barracks on the N. portions of the reservation. It was 
a favorite project with Washington to establish a national 
university here, and the grounds were named University 
Square from this fact. In 1813-'14 part of the American 
army encamped on the hill, and advanced to Bladensburg for 
the defense of the city against the English. 

Description. — The central building is 50 ft. sq., consisting 
of a basement and 2 stories, with a crowning parapet and 
balustrade, and is surmounted by a revolving dome, 23 ft. in 
diameter and 7 ft. above the roof. The dome is provided 
with a slip, and revolves on 6 24-lb. shot in a groove. On the 
E. and W. are wings, each 26J ft. long, 21 ft. wide, and 18 
ft. high. At the end of the former is the residence of the 
superintendent, and the latter an observing-room, 40 ft. by 
28^ ft. The projection on the S. is 21 ft. long, terminating 
in the great dome. There are 4 rooms on each floor of the 
central structure, separated by passages which cross each 
other at right angles. At their intersection is the foundation 
of the great pier, imbedded 17 ft. in the earth. It is of brick, 
and conical, 12 ft. in diameter at the base and 28 ft. high, and 
narrows towards the top, where it is capped witli a stone, 
upon which rests the pedestal of the equatorial. The walls 
are built with a special view of guarding against unequal 
temperatures. A tablet over the main entrance bears the 



164 NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 

inscription, "Founded A. D. 1842 : John Tyler, President of 
the United States ; Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy." 

Instruments, &c,— In the dome of the main building is the 
equatorial; W. wing the transit circle and the library, 16,000 
vols., relating to astronomy, some very rare; E. wing the 
mural circle and transit instrument, both obsolete, but used 
to bring up back work, and chronometer room, in which all 
the chronometers not in use in the navy are kept and rated. 
In the Superintendent's room is a clock connected by electric 
wires with the clocks in the Navy and Treasury Department^ 
and weather Signal Office. Opposite tl)e door of the same room 
is a switch-board to put the clocks, chronographs, and instru- 
ments in communication with each oilier. In the S. projec- 
tion is the prime vertical transit, and bej^ond, the instrument- 
maker's shop and room of the observer in charge of the great 
equatorial. This great equatorial was manufactured by Alvin 
Clark & Sons, Ca'mbridgeport, Mass. It has an object-glass 
27J in. in diameter, witli a 26-in. aperture and a focus of 
32J ft. It is equatorially mounted, tlie general plan being 
that devised by Frannhofer, witli modifications by Mr. Clark, 
and specially designed for the instrument. It is also accom- 
modated with clock movement, and fitted witli micrometers, 
spectroscopes, and 'otlier auxiliary apparatus. The tube is of 
sheet steel, rolled in Pittsburg. For viewing faint objects the 
telescope gives a degree of liglit greater than that of any other 
refracting telescope, it being the largest refractor in the world. 
The great equatorial is placed in an iron dome 41 ft. in diam- 
eter and 40 ft. in lieight, erected expressly for its accommo- 
dation. The superstructure rests on a stone foundation. The 
roof is supplied with a slip, revolves on conical wheels, and 
is easily moved horizontally in either direction by means of 
suitable gearing. 

The instrument rests upon a double pier of masonry erected 
in the center of the dome, the foundation being imbedded 17 
ft. in the earth. The portion of the pier above the floor of 
the dome is of brick, arched, and has a cap consisting of a 
solid block of red sandstone, 4 ft. long by 2 ft. wide and high. 
On top of this is an iron support weighing 1,100 lbs., to re- 
ceive tlie axis upon wliich the telescope is mounted. The 
instrument is run by water, the power being supplied by 
means of a reaction water-wheel. TJie instrument cost $00,000. 

Superintendents of the Naval Observatory. — Bureau of 
Charts— 18S0, Lieut. L. M. Goldsborough; 1833, Lieut. Cliarles 
Wilkes; 183G, Lieut. Hitchcock; 1838, Lieut. J. M. GiUiss. 
Superintendents. — 1844, Commander M. F. Maury; 1861, 
Capt. J. M. Gilliss; 1865, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis; 1867, 
Rear Admiral B. F. Sands. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 165 

History. — In 1810 the first step towards the foimdini^ of an 
ohservatory was a memorial from William Lambert oi Va., 
proposins: the establishment of a first meridian for the United 
States. It was not, however, till March, 1821, that the joint 
resolution aslved for was passed ; and Mr. Lambert, who had 
originated the movement in 1810, and for eleven years had 
persistently pressed the important measure, was appointed 
to ascertain the longitude of the Capitol from Greenwicli. In 
his report, January, 1822, he gives as the mean results by the 
difl'erent methods employed, longitude of tlie Capitol W. from 
Greenwich, 70^55^ 3U'^54; longitude of the Capitol W. from 
Paris, 79° 15^ 41^^09 ; longitude of the President's House W. 
from Greenwich, 7G° 57^ 5^^53. 

Several futile efforts were again made on behalf of an ob- 
servatory. In 1830, a bureau for the care of the instruments 
and charts of the Navy was established, and placed nnder 
Lieut. (Rear Admiral) L. M. Goldsborough, by whom the 
first astronomical instrument, a 30 in. transit, was erected at 
Washington, for the use of tlie N'av}^. This was in the resi- 
dence No. 1732 G street, W. of the War Department, previ- 
ously occupied by William Wirt, Attorney General of the 
United States, and now by the National Soldiers' and Sail- 
ors' Orphans' Home. 

In 1833, Lieut. (Eear Admiral) Wilkes was placed in charge 
of the depot, wliicli was removed to Capitol Hill, and located 
on tlie site proposed by F. R. Hassler in 181G ; about 1000 ft. 
N., 5=* W. from the dome of the Capitol, Here it remained 
till 1842. Lieut. Wilkes, at his own expense, erected a small 
observatory^, mounting a 5-f t. transit borrowed from the Coast 
Survey. 

The fii-st series of observations was not commenced till 
after the departure of the Wilkes Exploring Expedition, and 
then owing to " the importance of corresponding moon cul- 
minations, occultations, atid eclipses, in determining difler- 
ences of longitude " between the observatory and 'the sta- 
tions which that expedition might occupy abroad. Previ- 
ously the principal use of the transit was the determination 
of time. The observations required during the absence of 
the exploring expedition, and in connection therewith, de- 
monstrated the necessity of more elaborate arrangements, 
and led the Commissioners of the Navy, in Dec. 1841, to 
recommend an appropriation for a "permanent depot." 
Strange to say, the Naval Committees of Congress were still 
indifferent, but finallj^ passed the bill during the last hours 
of the session of 1841-'42. In 1838 it was suggested to Presi- 
dent Van Buren by Mr. Adams that the Smitiison bequests — 
news havins: been received of the success of Mr. Rush's visit — 



166 ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 

should be devoted to the foundation and maintenance of an 
Observatory. In 1842 a bill was introduced to that effect. 

The Jirst meridian for the United States was at first located 
at the Capitol. On Sept. 28, 1850, Congi-ess gave an official 
sanction to our reckoning by providing that after that date 
the meridian of the Observatory at Washington should be 
adopted and used as the American meridian for all astronom- 
ical purposes, and that of the meridian of Greenwich for all 
nautical purposes. Long, of the Observatory 77° 3^ 5^^8 W. 
of Greenwich, lat. 38° 53^ 38^^8 N. 



ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 

The Ai-my Medical Museum (open every day, except Sunday, 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands on the E. side of 10th st. W., 
about midway between E and F sts. N. It is a plain brick 
structure, painted dark brown, 3 stories high, 71 ft. front, and 
109 ft. deep. Tlie building was originally a church, and then 
a theatre, known as Ford's Theatre, and w^as the scene of the 
tragedy of April 14, 1865— the assassination of President 
Lincoln. The building was immediately closed by the Gov- 
ernment, and in April, 1866, Congress purchased it for $100,- 
000, for the purpose to which it is now applied. The interior 
was taken out, remodeled, and made fire-proof, under direc- 
tion of Surgeon General Barnes. There is now no trace of 
the exact scene of the assassination. Its location was on the 
r., about the centre of what is now the second floor. The as- 
sassin took his last drink in the restaurant, which occupied 
the first floor of the S. wing, now the Chemical Laboratory. 
The President was conveyed to the house No. 516, opposite, 
and died in the back room of the fii-st floor. 

On the N. side, in the rear of the building, is a small wing, 
occupied by the Museum workshops, and in front, on the S. 
side, is another wing, used by the Chemical Laboratory and 
the officers on duty. The main entrance is in the S. portion 
of tlie front, and the Museum is in the third story, at the top 
of the stairway. The first floor is occupied by the record 
and pension division of the Surgeon General's Office, contain- 
ing the papers belonging to the military hospitals and monthly 
sick reports of tlie army during the rebellion, 1861-65, and 
are still received from the various posts of the regular army. 
The hospital records number over 16,000 vols. The payment 
of pensions is based upon information received from these rec- 
ords. The alphabetical registers contain about 300,000 names 



ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 167 

of the dead of the army. The Chemical Laboratory in the S. 
wing is cliarged with the examination of alleged adulterations 
of medicines and hospital supplies, and other investigations 
of a similar nature whicli come before the Sm-geon General. 
The second floor contains the surgical records. In the S. wing, 
on this floor, are the ofiices of the Surgeon General and sur- 
geon in charge. Here are portraits of Surgeon General Lovel, 
John Hunter, (a copy from Sir Joshua Reynolds,) pliilosophi- 
cal writer on surgery. Dr. Morton, author of Crania Ameri- 
cana., and Dr. Pliysic, an original by Rembrandt Peale. 

Museum. — The Museum on the third floor is well liglited 
hi front and rear and by a large central skylight, wliich also 
lights tlie floors below tln-ough oblong openings. The attend- 
ant in the room will answer questions and point out objects 
of special interest. 

The specimens, arranged in cases and otherwise, number 
16,000, and are divided into six sections, viz: I. Surgical 
Section, embracing specimens of the effects of missives of 
every variety on all parts of the body, extremely interest- 
ing ; the stages of repair ; morbid conditions, calculi, tumors, 
&c. ; plaster casts representing mutilations resulting from 
injuries and surgical operations; examples of missiles ex- 
tracted from wounds ; preparations exliibiting the etiects of 
injuries peculiar to Indian hostilities. In this section are 
the bones of tlie amputated portions of the legs of eight 
generals, and a portion of the vertebrae of the neck of Booth, 
the assassin. II. Medical Section., consisting of specimens 
illustrating the morbid conditions of the internal organs in 
fever, clironic dysenterj^, and otlier camp diseases ; tlie mor- 
bid anatomy of the diseases of civil life; and pathological 
pieces relating to the diseases of women and cliildren, mal- 
formations, and monstrosities. HI. Microscopical Section^ 
including thin sections of diseased tissues or organs, suitably 
mounted for microscopical study, and a variety of prepara- 
tions exliibiting the minute anatomy of normal structures. 
An interesting branch of this section is the success attained 
in photo-micography, the process by which the most delicate 
microscopical preparations can be photographed to a magni- 
fying power of 4,500 diameters. IV. Anatomical Section., 
embracing skeletons, separated crania, and other prepara- 
tions of the anatomj'' of the human frame. The collection of 
human crania, with a view to ethnological study, and espe- 
cially relating to the aboriginal race of the United States, is 
very complete, numbering about 1,000 specimens. V. Section 
of Comparative Anatomy., embracing over 1,000 specimens of 
skeletons oi bufialo, deer, bear, and other American mammals, 



168 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

with birds, reptiles, and fishes. VI. Miscellaneous Section^ 
including models of hospitals, barracks, ambulances, and 
medicine wagons, a collection of surgical instruments, arti- 
ficial limbs, and other articles of interest. The object of the 
Museum is not to gratify public cm-iosity, but was founded 
and is carried on in the interests of science. It is the finest 
collection of the kind in the world, and is resorted to by sur- 
gical and medical students and writers from all parts of the 
United States and abroad. The original design of the Museum 
was the collection of specimens illustrative of military surgery 
and camp diseases for the education of medical men for mili- 
tary service. The Medical and Surgical History of the War 
was compiled fi-om the records of the museum. 



GOVtEKNMENT PRDfTING OFFICE. 

The Government Printing Office and Bindery {open every 
day^ except Sunday^ from 8 a. m. to 5. p. m.) occupies an 
L-shaped brick building, on the SW. corner of H and North 
Capitol sts. The Office may be reached by the Columbia 
Horse Railway. Visitors should alight and enter by the door 
nearest N. Capitol st. There is also a public entrance on the 
latter st. It will be necessary for strangers to state to the 
watchman at either door that they desire to visit the build- 
ing. The building measures 300 ft. on H St., and 175 ft. on 
N. Capitol St., and is 60 ft. deep and four stories high. The 
building, without the addition of an extension of CO ft. on the 
W. end, and an L of 113 ft. on the E. end, made in 1871, was 
purchased in 1860 by the Superintendent of Public Printing, 
an office then created under authority of an act of Congress. 
It had previously belonged to Cornelius Wendell, and was 
then used as a printing office, under the contract system. 
The object of the purchase was the execution of the printing 
and binding authorized by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, the Executive and Judicial Departments, and the 
Court of Claims. Connected with the main building are a 
paper warehouse, machine shops, boiler and coal houses, 
wagon shed and stable. 

On the first floor are the press, wetting, drying, and engine 
rooms. The presses include a variety of patterns, and are 
adapted to every species of work. There are 52 in all, from 
the immense Bullock press to the small Gordon. On the 
second floor are the composing-ix)om, with 300 stands, the 



GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 169 

proof-reading rooms, the electro and stereotype founderj^, and 
the offices of the Congressional Piinter. On the tJdrdjloor 
is^he bindery, including embossing, numbering, paging, rul- 
ing, stamping, stitching, marbling, and all other branches. 
The process of marbling is particularly interesting. On the 
fourth Jioor are the stitching and folding rooms and the Con- 
gressional Record office, with a capacity of working 100 men. 
The Record, containing the proceedings and debates of Con- 
gress, now printed at the Public Printing Office, is issued 
every day at 6 A. M. during the session of Congress. All 
bills and reports, without regard to length, are delivered in 
print to Congress the day following their presentation. 

The Public Printing Office is the largest establishment of 
the kind in the world. The capacitj' for work is practically 
without limit. Upwards of 120,000 pages of documentary 
composition and 1,000,000 volumes of tliat class of work have 
been turned out in a single year. The finest works printed 
here are the Medical and Surgical History of the War ; the 
reports of the Paris Exposition ; Astronomical Observations 
of the Naval Observatory; the Census of 1870; the Case of 
the United States before the Tribunal of Arbitration at Gen- 
eva, in English, French, and Poituguese ; prof essional papers 
of the Bureau of Engineers, Wai- Department ; the Darien 
and Tehuantepec Sliip-canal Expeditions; Haj^len's Final 
Sm-veys ; Clarence King's Surveys of tho 40th Parallel ; the 
Coast Survey Reports ; and general Catalogues of the Libra- 
ries of the United States and the Surgeon General's Office. 

Public Printers. — Superintendents^ 1853, J. T. Towers, 
D. C. ; 1854, A. G. ,Seaman, Penn. ; 1858, G. W. Bowman, 
Penn. ; 18G0, John Heart, Penn.; 1861, J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 
1866, C. Wendell, X. Y. Congressional Printers— IHQT , J. 
D. Defrees, Ind. ; 1869, A. M. Clapp, N. Y. 

The office is divided into the Composing Department, H. 
T. Brian, Foreman of Printing; Electro and Stereotyping, 
Maurice Joyce ; Bindery, J. H. Roberts. 

In 1852 the old contract system of public printing was 
abolished, and the office of Superintendent of Public Print- 
ing for each House of Congress was created. The work, 
though still executed by contract, w^as then done under the 
direction of those officers. In 1860 Congress took the public 
printing in their own hands, and in 1867 the office of Super- 
intendent of Public Printing was abolished, and instead the 
Senate of the United States was authorized to elect some 
competent person, a practical printer, to take charge of the 
Government Printins; Office. 



170 winder's building. 



WINDEK'S BUILDING. 

This structure {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) is situated on the N W. corner of F and 17th sts., 
opposite the Navy Department. It was originally erected 
for a hotel, and was purchased by the Government for the 
accommodation of public offices. The first floor is occupied 
principally by the Chief Engineer of the Army. Tlie last 
room, No. 2, on the corridor leading to the r. after entering 
is the Battle Record Room^ in which the reports of the battles 
of the late war are filed and indexed. On the r. of the S. 
corridor, No. 13, is a j^Ze room for the papers belonging to the 
Adjutant General's Office. Tlie second floor, E. front, is 
devoted to the Judge Advocate General of the Army., and the 
S. to the Orndance Office. The floors above are assigned to 
the Second Auditor of the Treasury Department. 

Ordnance Museum. — {Opeii every day^ except Sunday, from 
9 a. m. to 3 p. m.)— This interesting military collection is on 
the second floor, and may be reached by ascending the steps 
opposite the main door, and keeping tlie corridors to the r., 
passing through the door marked '' Ordnance Office " to door 
No. 49 on the r. at the farther end of the corridor; crossing 
this room and the connecting hall we enter the Museum, 
which occupies a detached building. The collection occupies 
two fine halls. The most conspicuous object on entering are 
the captured Confederate flags. They are all more or less 
associated with tlie battles of the late ciyil strife. The other 
objects of interest are United States Army infantry and cav- 
alry uniforms and accoutrements complete; section of an 
oak, which stood inside the Confederate entrenchments near 
Spottsylvania C. H., and was cut down by musket balls in 
the attempt to recapture the works carried by 2d Corps A, 
P., May 12, 1864; Jefferson Davis' rifle, a French piece, 
taken at the time of his capture in 1865 ; artillery, cavalry, 
and infantry accoutrements used in the U. S. Army from the 
earliest date; cheveaux-de-frise from front of Petersburg, 
Va. ; models and drawings of arsenals ; fuses for exploding 
shells and cannon ; shells picked up on the battle-fields ; cart- 
ridge bags for field, siege, and sea-coast artillery, the largest 
containing 100 lbs. ; projectiles of various sizes, both spherical 
and rifled, the largest being 20 in. in diameter, and weighing 
1,000 lbs.; portable cavalry forge and tools complete; Gat- 
ling guns of various sizes, including the "Camel" gun 
mounted on tripod, and of which large numbers are in use 
in Egypt ; a Billinghurst and Kequia battery ; a Union or 



CITY HALL. 171 

" coflfee-mill " gun ; a steel Whitworth gun, one of a battery 
from loyal Americans in Europe to the United States in 1861 ; 
the carriage of a 4 R). cannon, formerly the property of the 
city of Vicksburg, fired at a passing steamer several days 
before any guns were fired at United States forts or troops 
at Charleston or Pensacola — the gun is at West Point ; breech 
loaders captured at Richmond ; confederate projectiles ; 
models complete, showing mountings of guns in casemate 
and barbette, also mortars; a gun mounted on a saddle; 
models of field and siege aitillery, caissons, forges, and bat- 
tery wagons used in the U, S. Army; life-size models of 
horse artillery equipments, ordnance rockets, and fireworks. 
On tlie second jioor is the Museum of small arms, in which 
can be traced their history from the beginning, and practically 
illustrating tlie stages of advancement. American breech-load- 
ing and repeating fii-e-arms, from the first invented in the Uni- 
ted States, about 1831 . Patterns of arms manufactured by con- 
tract during the war, called •' contract arms. * ' Models of latest 
breecli-loaders. A muzzle-loader which fires two cartridges 
from one barrel. A set of rifles, from flintlocks to most ap- 
proved patterns. Muskets, rifles, and carbines, breech and 
muzzle-loading, captured from the confederates. Materials 
used in tlie composition of powder. Suit of armor of 1610. 
Cifii-ass and helmet from the battle-field of Sedan, the former 
partly pierced by a bullet, and the latter showing a severe 
sabre cut. Also horse pistol, flintlock, bayonets and swords 
from the same field ; cavalry equipments. Bavarian cuirasses, 
foreign cavalry equipments, patterns of foreign arms, case of 
Indian war clubs, swivels, arquebuses, case of pistols and re- 
volvers, Japanese two-handed sword, worn by Kondo, a pro- 
vincial oflicer of Japan, upon his visit to the United States in 
1871, who being convinced of the uselessness of the ancient 
custom of wearing two swords, presented it to Arinori Mori, 
charge d'affaires, who, in tm-n, presented it to the museum ; 
three wall pieces manufactured during the earliest use of gun- 
powder ; two racks of pistols, some of early date ; case of artil- 
lery and cavalry sabres of difterent styles and dates ; case of 
captured confederate sabres ; cases representing the various 
periods of the manufacture of small-arm cartridges ; rack of 
old patterns of swords. 



CITY HALL. 

The City Hall, until 1871, occupied jointly by the munici- 
pal government of Washington and the United States Com-ts 



172 ARSENAL. 

for the District of Columbia, in 1873, by purchase, became the 
sole property of the United States, and is now entirely devoc ..d 
to judicial purposes. The structure stands on the S. line of 
Judiciary Square, fronting 4^ st. W., and at the intersection 
of Louisiana and Indiana avs. In the open space in front is 
a marble column surmounted by a statue of Lincoln by Lot 
Flannery, a self-taught sculptor. It was erected out of the 
contributions of a number of patriotic citizens. Tlie building 
was commenced in 1820, from plans by George Hadfield, the 
architect of the Capitol. The E. wing was finished in 1826, 
and the W. in 1849. It is two stories, 47 ft. higli, and con- 
sists of a recessed centre 150 ft. long, with two projecting 
wings, each 50 ft. front and 166 ft. deep. The entire frontage 
is 250 ft. The structure is built of freestone painted white. 
In tlie centre of the main building, and in each wing, are re- 
cessed porticos, formed of Doric columns. Between the wmgs 
is a paved space. 



AESENAL. 



The arsenal {open from sunrise to swwse^) occupies a tract ol 
45 a. at the extreme S. point of the city. It is accessible by 
the 9th-st. line of the Metropolitan horse railway^ the terminus 
of which is near tlie gate, at the foot of 4^ st. W. The tract 
originally comprised 28| a., and included the point of land at 
the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, extend- 
ing from the former stream to the mouth of James Creek, 
and N. to T st. S. In 1857 it was extended, by the purchase 
of the adjoining land on the j^., (16 a.,) between the Potomac 
and the James Creek Canal, to P. st. S. 

Tlie grounds are laid out in walks and drives, and entered 
through a gateway consisting of iron gates swung on.32 and 
24-pdr. cannon. The guard room is on the 1., and on the 
r. is a 15-in. Rodman gun, and below a pendulum house, in 
which is a pendulum balance for testing the force of gun- 
powder. The Chief of Ordnance resides at the end of the 
main drive, in the large building on the 1., and opposite are 
officers' quarters. The old quarters and shops are at the S. 
extremity of the grounds, about | m., where there is also a 
grove of oaks, hickory, and American beech. The distance 
from the commanding officer's quarters to Pennsylvania av. 
is 2 m. In front of the old quarters are a number of captured 
cannon and mortars, among which are two Blakcly guns, one 
inscribed, "Presented to the sovereign State of South Caro- 
lina, by one of her citizens residing abroad, in commemora- 



ARSENAL. 173 

tion of the 20 of Dec, I860;" a brass gun with a ball in the 
nrjgpzle, shot there in the battle of Gettysburg ; guns surren- 
renderecl by the Britisli by the Convention of Saratoga, Oct. 
17, 1777 ; French guns taken at the battle of Niagara, July 
25, 1814; a 64 pounder captured at Vera Cruz, March 29, 
1847 ; and guns captured from Cornwallis at Yorktown, Oct. 
19, 1781 : also a number of small guns and mortars, some of 
date 1756. In 1826 the United States Penitentiary, designed 
by Bullfinch, was commenced on the present N. portion of 
these grounds. It was completed in 1829. The body of 
Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, was landed at the 
small wharf at the lower end of the grounds, and was buried 
in one of the lower cells of the penitentiary. The other con- 
spirators were buried in the same building. When the peni- 
tentiary was torn down, these bodies were taken up and 
reinterred in one of the storehouses. They have all since 
been removed. In 1865 the body of Wirz, the keeper of the 
Andersonville prison, was also brought here, after the execu- 
tion at the Old Capitol. It is now buried in Mt. Olivet ceme- 
tery. Tlie grounds afford a delightful stroll or drive, with 
the broad Potomac on the W. and the James Creek Canal on 
theE. 

In the arsenal buildings are stored guns of various sizes, 
shot and shell, artillery implements and equipments, cavalry 
and infantry accoutrements, and small arms. There are also 
officers' quarters, barracks, hospitals, bakeries, stables, and 
machine, carpenter, blacksmith, and painters' shops, lumber 
storehouses, and two magazines for fixed ammunition and 
small-arm cartridges. Tiie principal magazines are on the 
Anacostia. A detachment and three officers of the ordnance 
corps are on duty. 

In 1803 a military station was established on the Arsenal 
grounds. In 1807 shops were erected. In 1812 powder was 
stored here. In 1813 it became a regular depot of supplies. 
In 1814 it was destroyed by tlie British. A number of the 
latter were killed by the explosion of powder secreted in a 
^well near the quarters. In 1815 it was rebuilt under Col. 
George Bomford. In 1816 buildings were erected by the 
Ordnance Department. The station was under command 
of M. Villard, a French officer, who came to the United 
States with Lafayette. During the rebellion, 1801-'65, the 
Arsenal was the depot of ordnance supplies for the Army of 
the Potomac. Large quantities of ammunition and gun car- 
riages were made here. In 1864 twenty-one girls were killed 
in an explosion of one of the laboratories. Since the war the 
grounds have been beautified. 



174 NAVT-YAR1>. 



N^AVY-YAKD. 

The Navy- Yard {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 7 a. 
m. to sunset^) is situated on the Anacostia, | m. SE. of the 
Capitol, 8th st. E. terminating at the entrance. It may be 
reached from tlie W. portions of the city in the red cars of 
the Pennsylvania av. st. railway. The officer of the marine 
guard at the gate will pass visitors. The present grounds 
comprise about 27 a., and are entered by a stone gateway, in 
Doric style, over which are small cannon-and-ball embellish- 
ments, and in the centre a well-executed eagle, resting on an 
anchor. Inside, on the r., is the guard-room, and opposite 
the officers' room. An avenue runs S. from the entrance to 
the building occupied by the Commandant's and other offices 
of the j^ard. The Executive officer's room is on the second 
floor, and from whom a permit may be obtained, which will 
admit the bearer to any part of the yard, in the workshops, 
and on board any monitors in the stream. 

Immediately within the entrance, on either side of the 
avenue, are two large guns, captured in 1804, by Commodore 
Decatur from two Tripolitan gunboats. The buildings on 
the 1. and r. are the officers' quarters : those of the Com- 
mandant being on the 1. On the 1. of the main avenue are 
the storehouses, copper-works, &c. ; and on the r. the foundry, 
machine, and other shops. S. of the Commandant's building 
are a number of cannon and projectiles : among the former 
two of 1686 and 1767 date, captured at Norfolk, Va., 1862; 
several Austrian and French guns, and two Austrian howit- 
zers, rifled, captured on the steamer Columbia in 1862. 

On the river bank are two ship-houses E. and W. Near 
the E. is the boat-house, from which a boat may be taken to 
the monitors, if any, in the stream. More to the W. lies the 
receiving-ship, the W. ship-house, and a water battery. The 
large building crowning the hill on the opposite side of the 
river is the National Asylum for the Insane. The view down 
the river is very fine. In the W. part of the yard is the Ord- 
nance-shop and Laboratory. The avenue leading back to- 
wards the main entrance passes near the Museum, {open from 
9 a. m. to 4 j9. m.) On either side of the door are a number of 
projectiles of the largest size. Among these a 20-in. shot, 
weighing 1,048 lbs. The gun is on the Kip-raps, Hampton 
Roads. Here may be seen a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of interest : among whidii, on the first floor^ are a Span- 
ish gun, cast about 1490, brought to America by Cortez, and 
used in the conquest of Mexico ; a Spanish gun captured by 
Commodore Stockton in California in 1847 ; an old-style re- 



NAVY-YARD. 175 



NAVY-YARD. 



peater; a small mortar, captured from Lord Cornwallis; a 
section of the sternpost of the Kearsarg-e, showing a shell, 
which did not explode, fired into it by the Alabama ; confed- 
erate torpedoes, tal\:en out of southern harbors; submarine 
rockets; models of projectiles, and a very interesting col- 
lection of those wliich had been fired. On the second floor 
are principally small arms ; models of cannon ; a model of the 
ordnance dock, Brooklyn ; brass swivels, one very old, said 
to have belonged to Cortez; a telescope rifle; two blunder- 
busses, and cases of rifles and pistols. The walls and ceil- 
ings are artistically decorated with pikes, cutlasses, sabres, 
and pistols. 

History. — On Oct. 30, 1799, the selection of a site for the 
Kav3^-Yard was brought to tlie attention of the commission- 
ers, and led to considerable correspondence with Naval Agent 
William Marbury. The ground best suiced for tliat purpose 
lay on the Anacostia, a sliort distance above its confluence 
with the Potomac, on land owned by Messrs. Carroll and 
Prout. On Dec. 3, 1799, the Secretary of the Navy gave 
orders to lay the ground out. Tlie yard, however, was not 
formally established till the passage of the act of March, 1804. 
In those early days it was unrivalled. Such famous vessels 
as the Wasp, Argus, the brig Viper, the Essex, the schoon- 
ers Shark and Grampus, the sloop of war St. Louis, 24 guns, 
and frigates Columbia, Potomac, and Brandywine, 44 guns 
each, were built here. In 1837 it was proposed to establish a 



176 



MARINE BARRACKS. 



naval school at the yard. Of late years the yard has lost its 
prominence for naval construction, owins: to the greater fa- 
cilities presented by more recently-established stations, and 
the tilling up of the channel. In 1816 a ship of the line could . 
anchor here. The yard is now one of the most important for, 
the manufacture of naval supplies. 



MAKIlSrE BAERACKS. 

A short distance N. of the N'avy-Yard gate, on the E. side \ 
of 8th St. E., between G and I sts. S., are the Marine Barracks. 
The Pennsylvania av. cars (red) for the Navy- Yard pass thej 
u*on gate, wliicli is the general entrance. Visitors are adi 
ted from 9 a. m, till sundown, but can be passed before ' 
time by the officer of the day. The barracks have a f roni 
of 700 feet. The centre building, used for officers' quai 
is two stories high, and the wings are one story, with 
modations for 200 men. The offices of the general staJ 
opposite, on 9tli st. E. On the N". of the square a e the_ 
ters of the Brigadier General and Commandant of the 
Corps, and opposite, on tlie S., is the armory and hosj 
In the former are some interesting Marine Corps flags, 
bears the inscription '' From Tripoli to the Halls of the 
tezumas" by land and sea; also, a Corean flag capti 
battle. 

The most interesting occasion for a visit would be 
time of general inspection on any Monday, weather pel 
ting, at 10 a. m., when the Marines and their excellent " 
may be seen in full parade. Every day at 8 a. m. in si 
and 9 a. m. in winter, tliere is guard mount, the band- 
forming. The barracks were burnt by the British in " 
but were immediately rebuilt. Recruits are sent here fc 
struction before being detailed for service on the vessels < 
Navy. 

The Marine Corps was organized in 1798 as an adjunc 
the naval establishment, then placed under an indepenc 
administration. The corps has participated, with glc 
its officers and men, in all the brilliant achievements ' 
have characterized the operations of the Navy of the Ui 
States whenever called upon to vindicate the honor of tl 
tion. On land the corps has borne itself nobly; and: 

freatly superior numbers and overcoming grave obst 
as invariably returned with fresh laurels. In the Trij 
and Mexican wars, in their participation in the attack on 1 



MAGAZINES. 177 

Fisher, in their desperate conflict on tlie coast of Corea against 
overwhelming numbers of tlie barbarous enemy, and in re- 
peated retaliatory landings on the shores of Asiatic countries 
and islands of the Pacific, their discipline and bravery have 
won for them a bright page in the nation's history, 'i'he 
headquarters of the corps are appropriately^ at the National 
Capital, being established at the Marine Barracks. The com- 
mandant or superior officer liolds the rank of brigadier gen- 
eral ; there are also 1 colonel, 2 lieutenant colonels, 4 majors, 
20 captains, and an increased number of lieutenants. The 
numerical strength of the corps by law is 2,500 men. 



MAGAZINES. 



The Army and Navy Magazines, to which there is no ad- 
mittance, occup3' about 6 a. in the S. part of reservation No. 
13, or Hospital Square, situated in the extreme E. part of the 
city on the Anacostia. They consist of four brick buildings, 
the two for the Army on the N., and those for the Navy on 
the S., with a capacity of 2,000 bbls. each. The grounds are 
tastefully laid out. A sergeant and private and a small detach- 
ment of marines are on duty. The w^hai-f at the foot of the 
grounds is used exclusively for the discharge or shipment of 
powder. In 1873 the Bellville farm, of 90 a., on Oxen creek, 
with a frontage on the Potomac nearly opposite Alexandria, 
was purchased for the Naval Magazine, which will be remov- 
ed from its present location. 

The large quantities of powder usually stored in these 
magazines occasions great uneasiness to the inhabitants of 
the adjacent parts of the city. Frequent measures have been 
taken to liave the magazines removed. That of the Navy will 
be transferred to its new site as soon as the buildings are 
ready for use. The Army magazines will doubtless speedily 
follow. 



12 



SECTION I Y. 
PLACES OF GENERAL INTEREST. 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

•^Aif^^^HE Smithsonian Institution {open daily ^ except 
fwV ^ /Sw.wt^ay, from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.) occupies a fine 
1^ u\ ?5 gj^p g_ q£ Pennsylvania av., and ma}^ be conveniently 

readied by 10th st. W.. the centre of the N. front 

of the building facing that street. 

Grounds. — The whole area of what are now desig- 
nated the Smithsonian Grounds — that is, from 7th to 12th st. 
and between B sts. N. and S., covers 52J acres. The Smith- 
sonian grounds proper, and which were set apart for the In- 
stitution in 1846, consist of 20 a., situated in the SW. corner 
of the larger reservation. At first the charge of the Smith- 
sonian grounds proper was under the Institution. About 15 
years ago, hoAvever, Congress resumed their supervision. 
They were then thrown into the extensive and beautiful res- 
ervation which now surrounds the Institution building. 

The gi'ounds were designed and partially laid out by the 
distinguished horticulturist and landscape gardener, AndrcAV 
Jackson Downing, whose death occurred while in the prose- 
cution of his plans. They are an-anged with lawns, groves, 
di-ives, and footways, and are planted with 150 species of 
trees and shrubs, chiefly American. In the E. portion of the 
grounds, N. of the E. wing of the building, is a vase of ex- 
quisite beauty, designed by Calvert Vaux, of Newburg, N. 
Y., executed' by Robert Launitz, sculptor, of New York, 
and erected by the American Pomological Society to the 
memory of Downing. The funds were supplied by friends of 
the deceased. The principal design of the monument con- 
sists of a large vase of antique pattern, worked in Italian 
marble, and resting on a pedestal of tlie same material. The 
vase is 4 ft. high and 3 ft. in diame4:er at the upper rim. The 
body is ornamented with arabesque. Acanthus leaves sur- i 
round the lower part. The handles rest on the heads of satyrs, 
gods of groves and woods, and the pedestal on a canned base 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 179 

surrounded with a cornioe. On each side is a deep panel, 
reUeved by carved mouldings. In each is an appropriate in- 
scription. That facing the N. reads, "This vase was erected 
by his friends in memory of Andrew Jaclvson Downing, who 
died July 28, 1852, aged tliirty-seven years. He was born 
and lived and died on the Hudson river." On the base of 
the pedestal are the words, "This memorial was erected 
under a resolution passed at Pliiladelphia, in September, 
18o2, by the American Pomological Society, of which Mr. 
Downing was one of the original founders. Marshall P. 
AVilder, President." The whole monument, with the granite 
plinth, is 9 J ft. high, and cost $1,600. 

Description. — The style of architecture of the Smithsonian 
Building, designed by James Renwick, Jr., of N. Y., is ISTor- 
man, and chronological!}^ belongs to the end of the 12th cen- 
tm-y, representing the rounded at the time of merging into the 
Gothic. It is the fh-st unecclesiastical structure of that period 
ever built in the United States. The building compares f avor- 




SMITHSONIAN INSTITTTTION. 

ably with the best examples of the styles, variously called the 
Norman, the Lombard, the Romanesque, and the Byzantine. 
The semi-circnlar arch still is used throughout in doors, win- 
dows, and other openings. The windows are without elabo- 
rately traceried heads. The weather mouldings consist of 
corbel courses with bold projections. It has towers of various 



180 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

sizes and shapes. Tlie main entrance from tlie TsT., slieltcred 
by a carria^^e porcli, is between two towers of beautifully 
symmetrical proportions and unequal height. The general 
design consists of a main centre buildiug, two stories Inghand 
two wings of a single story, connected by intervening ranges, 
each having a cloister on the l!^. with open stone screen. In 
the centre of the N. side of the main building are two towers, 
the higher one 145 ft. On the S. is a single massive tower 37 
ft. square, including the buttress, and 91 ft. high. On the 
NE. corner is a double campanile 17 ft. square and 117 ft. to 
the top of its hnial. At the S\V. corner is an octagonal tower 
finished with open work in tlie npper portions. At the SW. 
and NW. corners are two smaller towers. There are 9 tow- 
ers in all, including the small ones at each wing. 

The extreme length of the building from E . to W., includ- 
ing the porch of the E. wing, is 447 ft. The breadth of the 
centre of the main building and towers, including carriage 
porch, is 160 ft. The E. whig is 82 by 52 ft., and 42-^ ft. high 
to the top of its battlement. The W. wing, inclusive of its 
projecting apsis, is 84 by 40 ft., and 38 ft. high. Each con- 
necting range, inclusive of cloister, is 60 by 49 ft. The main 
building is 205 by 57 ft, and to the top of the corbel courses 
58 ft. high. 

The material used is a variety of freestone found in the new 
red sandstone formation, about 23 m. distant from Washing- 
ton, in the vicinity of the Point wliere Seneca creek empties 
into the Potomac river. It is the same, though brought from 
a different locality, as that used in the construction of Trinitj'' 
church of New York city. The building thi-ougliout is con- 
structed in the most durable manner. The foundation walls 
vary from 12 to 8 ft. at the base to 5 ft. at the top. The walls 
of the main building, above the water table, are 2 J ft. for the 
first story, and 2 ft. for the second, exclusive of "buttresses, 
corbel com-ses, and other exterior projections, and exclusive 
of the interior lining of brick. The walls of the wings are 2 
ft. thick. Groined arches are turned under the central, the 
campanile, and octagonal tow^ers, and towers of the W. wing. 
The copings, cornices, battlements, window jambs, mullions, 
sills, and all stone work, is held by iron clamps leaded. The 
face of the building is finished in ashlar, laid in courses 10 to 
15 in. in height, and with an average bed of 9 in. The whole 
of the centre building is fireproof, and the two wings and 
ranges practically so. The roofs are of slate laid on iron. 

The hmithsonian Institution proper has two chief lines of 
action : I. To stimulate the preparation of original works in 
general and special science: to publish and to distribute them 
judiciously and promptly to all the scientific centres of the 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 181 

world, through a system of international exchanges, noAv the 
most complete on the globe. The Institution also distributes 
abroad, free of expense, the publications of scientific and 
historical societies when sent to tliem. It has ten agents of 
its own, and is in correspondence with 2,400 institutions 
abi-oad. The publications of the Smithsonian are the " Con- 
tributions to Knowledge," ''Miscellaneous," and "Annual 
Reports" — the latter to Congress. 

II. Meteorological investigations. These have been pros- 
ecuted over a quarter of a century, and reports are now re- 
ceived from over 600 stations, in all parts of the Western 
Hemisphere. The observations relate solely to the general 
laws of climatology of tlie continent. The Institution has 
also patronized and aided the cause of science and explora- 
tion, both in the efforts of the Government and private indi- 
viduals. It lias also co-operated witli the otlier departments 
of tlie Government. Its valuable library has been incorpo- 
rated with that of Congress. The extensive herbarium, on 
condition of approving the botanist in charge, has been 
transferred to the Department of Agriculture, and all the 
crania and otlier osteological specimens to the Army Medical 
Museum. In return, from the latter it receives from tlie 
officers of the armj^ all collections made in ethnologj^ and in 
special branches of natural history. 

National Museum, — {Open everyday., except Sunday., from 
9 a. m. to 4 p. m.)-r-Thh national collection is in the charge of 
the Smithsonian Institution, though it is supported by the 
United States. Its origin was under the act establishing that 
Institution, and its head is the Secretarj^ Professor Josepli 
Henrj", though the active supervision has been assigned by 
him to Prof.' Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary. 

With the limited means at command, it was found imprac- 
ticable to expect an extensive general museum. The elForts 
of the manager of that offslioot of the Institution, tlierefore, 
were directed to the accumulation of material from the Amer- 
ican continent. The act of organization contributed, as the 
foundation of the museum, the collections of specimens 
brought back by the United States exploring expedition to the 
Southern Hemisphere, under Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes, originally deposited in the Patent Office. It was trans- 
ferred to the Institution in 1858. Since that time the collec- 
tion has been increased by the type specimens from upwards 
of fifty subsequent expeditions of the General Government, 
and contributions resulting fi-om the operations of the Insti- 
tution, besides a large number of donations from individuals. 
The articles represent all parts of the globe and every branch 



182 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

of natural history. The collection of the larger North Amer- 
ican and European mammals, both skins and skeletons, is the 
most complete in the United States. In ethnological speci- 
mens of this continent it surpasses anything in the world. In 
other respects it ranks favorably with the collections of the 
Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and the Cambridge 
Museum. 

The collections of the Museum are undergoing rearrange- 
ment, occasioned by the fitting up of the hall on the second 
floor. The arrangement contemplated is the exclusive use of 
the lower main hall for the zoological department. The Gothic 
hall containing ethnological specimens to economical geol- 
ogy, and the W. hall to' mineralogy and geology. The latter 
is now finally arranged. In the space on either side of the 
entrance, at the foot of the stairways, will be placed a large 
and valuable collection of plaster casts of the food fishes of 
the United States, made under the direction of Prof. S. F. 
Baird, United States Fish Commissioner. The second floor, 
now being fitted with cases, will contain the extraordinarily 
large ethnological collection relating to the native tribes of 
North America, ancient and modern, and the rich store of 
specimens of the same character, from the Feejee, Samoan, 
Viti, and Sandwich Islands, at the time of the visit of the 
Wilkes exploring expedition. 

Main Hall.— This hall is 200 ft. long, 50 ft. wide, and 25 ft. 
high. The ceiling is supported on' two rows of columns. 
Around the hall, against the railings of the galleries, are the 
heads, complete or skeleton, of various larger animals. That 
at tlie W. end is of a buffalo, an excellent specimen. Opposite 
the entrance is the Register^ in which visitors are requested 
to record their names. Near by, on the r., is a specimen of 
the great auk killed on the island of Eldey, near Iceland, in 
1834, believed to be extinct, not having been seen alive since 
1844. Owing to its short wings, it was incapable of flight. 
But two other specimens of the bird, and but one other of the 
Qgs^^ is in the United States. 

Commencing on the 1. of the main entrance, the first case 
contains carniverous animals, the next two birds of foreign 
countries, two of birds of North America, and one of foreign 
countries. The table cases between contain shells, and the 
wall cases slveletons and alcoholic specimens. The table 
cases in the centj-e of the room are filled with a fine collec- 
tion of birds' nests and eggs. In the lower part of the first 
are specimens of ostrich eggs, and a cast of the egg of the 
giant fossil bird of Madagascar. The end wall cases are 
empty, but will, in the rearrangement of the museum, be 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 183 

filled with zoological specimens. In the S. range of cases 
the fu'st two contain birds of North America, tlie next three 
of foreign countries, and the last seals, fish, and alligators. 
The table cases between are devoted to shells, and tliose 
against the wall to alcoholic specimens. The cases in the 
galleries of the E. part of the Hall contain skeletons of birds. 

In the W. half of the Hall, resuming the S. range of cases, 
the first contains mammals, including a musk ox, female 
chimpanzee, and a cast of a gorilla's head, the next two 
mammals, and the rest corals. The table cases between ex- 
hibit ethnological and those against the wall ethnological 
and alcoholic specimens. 

In one of the recesses in the S. range, in a large jar, is a 
specimen of the devil Jish from California. When expanded, 
it measures 8 ft. in diameter. Its shape is that of a star with 
eight points. In another recess on the same side are exhibi- 
tions of beaver cuttings. 

On the r., entering tlie main N". door, the first case contains 
mammals, embracing the deer and antelope families. Here 
are excellent specimens of the Bocky Mountain sheep and 
goat. Tlie next embraces birds of North America, and the 
remaining four on the same side birds of foreigh countries. 
The table cases between contain ethnological and the wall 
alcoholic specimens. 

The first table case in the centre of the W. portion of the 
Hall is devoted to shells above and shells of turtles below. 
In the second are ethnological specimens relating to the 
American Indians. On the E. end of this case is the head 
of a Peruvian chief, compressed by an unknown method, 
very rare. 

In the gallery cases are birds and ethnological specimens. 
Against the W. wall, is a case of fish casts and three of 
birds. We here enter the 

Gothic Hall. — This Hall receives its name from the style of 
architecture used, and contains ethnological specimens and 
relics, and other articles of historic interest. The portrait of 
Gruizot, the French historian and statesman, over the W. 
door, was painted by Healy, in Paris, for certain American 
residents, who presented it to the National Institute. The 
portrait over the E. door represents General Washington, 
painted by the elder Peale. The painting was shipped to 
Europe and captured by a French privateer, taken to France, 
where it was purchased and returned to the United States, 
and ultimately came into the possession of the National 
Institute. 

In the N. range are the collections representing the Ameri- 



184 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

can Indians and Esquimaux of Greenland. In tlie wall case 
on the W. is the suit and rifle used by Dr. Kane in his Arctic 
exploration ; also the shot gun and rifle used by Captain Hall, 
and rifle of Esquimaux Joe. 

On the S. are tlie collections relating to China, Japan, Mus- 
cat, and Siam. 

In the E. table case are a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of historical interest. Among these is a fine collection 
of medals awarded to military and naval officers of tlie Revo- 
lution and subsequent wars ; copies of ro3^al seals of gold and 
silver, presented by William Blackmore, of London ; a few 
odd specimens of the Denon and American medals destroyed 
in the fire at the Library of the United States ; locks of hair 
of Presidents of the United States; the razor of Captain 
Cook, the navigator; one of the bolts to which Columbus 
was chained ; part of the machinery of the first steamboat 
built by James Ramsey, of Shepherdstown, Va., 1786; Chi- 
nese paper money, Japanese manuscript, an interesting 
specimen of handwriting in Greek, arranged in book form ; 
and treaties witli Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Prussia, 
France, Russia, and England, and the seal of the United 
States. Among the treaties is the first between France and 
the United States, 1778, and Bonaparte, 1st Consul, 1803. In 
the same case below is an assortment of old arms from the 
Malayan Peninsula and China; also arms of historical inter- 
est. 

On the W. table case is a collection illustrating the pre-his- 
toric period in Europe, embracing man of the drift, reindeer, 
lake dwelling, and shell lieap period, down to that of chipped 
and polished stone implements. Among the interesting fea- 
tures of this period are specimens relating to the lake-dwell- 
mg period in Switzerland, and breccia of the reindeer period 
in England ; also, a model of Stonehenge, in that country ; 
also, bones from Patagonia, and Indian implements. In the 
same case below are a number of relics of the Franklin, Fro- 
bisher, Kane, and Hall North Polar expeditions. 

At the end of the hall is an original tablet containing a high 
order of Mexican hieroglj^phics. Beyond the Gothic is the 

"West Hall, a fine, well lighted apartment, and assigned to 
the mineralogical cabinet of the National Museum, divided 
into four sections : 

I. General Mineralogical Collection^ occupying the S. and 
the S. end of the E. "walls. This embraces 300 species of 
minerals from all parts of the world, and contains many very 
beautiful specimens. 

II. General LitJiological Collection^ occupying the entire 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 185 

W. wall, and composed mainly of specimens brought back by 
the various Government exploring expeditious within the 
United States and W. of the Mississippi river, and also sev- 
eral European series. 

III. Ore Collection^ on the N. end of the E. wall, and em- 
bracing ores from a large number of lodes in the Western 
States and Territories. It is proposed to obtain for this col- 
lection a specimen of every worked lode W. of the Mississippi, 
which would then be valuable as a means of comparing ores. 

IV. Metallurgical Collection^ in the center of the E. wall, 
embraces ores, slags, raw and commercial products, present- 
ing the various interests of this character in the United 
States and foreign countries. 

Against the N. wall, E. side, is a case containing an inter- 
esting collection of geyserites from the National Park on the 
Yellowstone, gathered by the Hayden Exploring Expedi- 
tion. It is the best and most valuable series of the kind in 
existence. At the S. end of the hall, the table case contains 
the Polaris Collection, made by Dr. Emil Bessels during the 
United States North Polar Expedition, 1870-73. All the 
specimens were gathered above 80^ IST. latitude. The ham- 
mer and piece of powder canister belonged to Capt. Parry's 
Expedition in 1821. He lost his ships on Fury Beach. The 
next table case on the I!*^. contains stalactites and a very fine 
specimen of sulphur from Sicily. The third table contains 
minerals from difterent foreign countries. 

In the centre of the hall is a large group of mineral speci- 
mens, including the Irivin-ainsa Meteorite, from Tucson, Ari- 
zona, weighing' 1,400 lbs. It is of ring shape, and measures 
49 in. in exterior diameter, and 27 in. iii opening. The thickest 
part is 17 in. wide. A large mass of native copper from On- 
tonagon, Lake Superior, in early days used b}^ the Indians 
as a sacrificial altar, and estimated to Aveigh over 3,000 lbs. 
The Couch Meteorite, found by Lieut. D. ^N". Couch, United 
States Army, in Coahuila, Northern Mexico, and weighing 
250 lbs. It was used as an anvil. The rest of the same 
gi-oup is made up of coals, fossil woods from the Rocky 
Mountains, cinnabar from California, and stalactites and 
other interesting specimens from different parts. 

A card explaining the system of labelling will be found in 
the hall. The arrangement of the collection was made by 
Dr. F. M. Endlich, of Penn., mineralogist of the Institution. 

Returning to the main hall, opposite the main N. entrance, 
is the 

S. Vestibule, which contains a number of foreign anti- 
quities. In the centre is the marble Sarcophagus, brought 



186 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

to the United States on the frigate Constitution by Commo- 
dore Jesse D. Elliott, in 1839, from Beirut, Sj^'ia. It was 
originally the repository of the remains of the Koman Em- 
peror Alexander Severus. The Sarcophagus was intended 
for the tomb of General Andrew Jackson, and for that pur- 
pose it was otfered in 1845 by Commodore Elliott, but the 
General replied: "I cannot consent that my mortal body 
shall be laid in a repository prepai-ed for an emperor or a 
king; my republican feelings and principles forbid it; the 
simplicity of our system of government forbids it. Every 
monument erected to perpetuate the memory of our heroes 
and statesmen ought to bear evidence of the economy and sim- 
plicity of our republican institutions, and the plainness of our 
republican citizens, who are the sovereigns of our glorious 
Union, and whose virtue is to perpetuate it." 

The small marble tablet is from the temple erected by 
Mlltiades on the plains of Marathon, in honor of his victory 
over the Persians, 490 B. C. 

In the collection of idols from Central America, the largest, 
carved in black basalt, and that with a Sphinx-like head-dress, 
are from the isltmd of Momotombita, in Lake Manaqua. One 
of the others was used by the Indians of the Pueblo of Sub- 
tiava, and two are from the island of Zapatero, in Lake 
Nicaraugua, once the site of the greatest of all the temples oi 
of the aboriginal people. There are also a cast of an ancient 
carved stone at Palenque Chiapas, Mexico, the hieroglyphics 
of which have not yet been fully read, and a plank and speci- 
men of bark from the giant redwood tree of California. The 
plank is 12 ft. long and 6| ft. wide. 

Leaving the main hall by the N. door, the double flight of 
steps lead to the Ethnological Hall„ on the second floor, being 
fitted up with walnut cases for the display of the Ethnologi- 
cal collections of the museum. This hall is of the same di- 
mensions as that on tlie first floor. In the centre is a; cast of 
the extinct megatherium, found at Buenos Ayres, the largest 
type of the sloth family of the pre-historic age. It is sur- 
rounded by an iron railing Avith cappings of the existing 
types of the same family. On the E. is a cast of a glypto- 
don, now extinct, the largest representative of the armadillo 
family. In a corresponding position on the W. is the cast of 
a giant turtle found in the Himalaya mountains. In the hall, 
temporarily, are specimens of the extinct Irish elk, a skeleton, 
and a cast of the animal restored, a buffalo and two skeletons, 
a moose and one skeleton, a tapir and two skeletons, a gnu, 
deer, and reindeer, and skeletons of a camel and Rocky- 
mountain sheep. Also other animals, and varieties of sharks, 
sword and torpedo fish, and walrus. Also two kyacks. 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 187 

Secretaries of the Smithsonion Institution. — 1846, Joseph 
Henry. 

History. — The original fund which led to the foundation 
of the Smithsonian Institution was the bequest of James 
Smithsoii. of England, amounting to $515,169. Tlie founder 
belonged to one of the best families of England. He was 
the son of Hugh, first Duke of ISTorthumberland, and Eliza- 
beth, heiress of Hungerfords of Audley and niece of Charles 
the Proud, Duke of Somerset. He was a native of London, 
was educated at Oxford, and took an honorary degree there 
in 1786. At the university he was known as James Lewis 
Macie, and a few years after leaving took that of Smlthson, 
the family name of the Northumberlands. His life was 
mostly spent on the continent of Europe, where he died at 
Genoa in 1828. He was particularly known to the scientific 
world as a skillful cliemi.-it, mineralogist, and geologist, on 
each of which subjects he contributed valuable papers. He 
was never married, and hence devoted his entire life to the 
cultivation of his taste for knowledge. He held a high ap- 
preciation of mental endowments, usefully applied, and 
claimed that though in his veins coursed the best blood of 
England his name would outlive that of his ancestors, who 
possessed inlierited titles and honors only. It is stated that 
at one time he contemplated leaving his money to the Royal 
Society of London, but owing to a "disagreement vested it in 
his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, for life, after which 
it was to go to the United States of America "Hofound^ at 
Washington^ under the name of the Smithsonian Institution., 
an establishment for the increase and diffusion of hioivledge 
among men.'''' The Government of the United States, by act 
of Congress of July 1, 1836, accepted the bequest. In the 
same yeai- Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, who had been 
Minister of the United States at the court of King George 
I IV, from 1817 to 1825, w^as designated Commissioner to as- 
sert and prosecute the claim of tlie United States to the 
legacy. * Having obtained the available amount of the be- 
quest he brought it to the United States. It was deposited 
in the Treasury of the United States and invested. 

The permanent Smithson find in the Treasury of the 
United States, including the original bequest, residuary 
legacy, and savings, and" bearing 6 per cent, interest, paya- 
ble semi-annually in coin, is §650,000. In addition to this, 
out of the savings, $450,000 were expended in the erection of 
a building. The expenses of the Institution are paid out of 
the income from the permanent fund, and the National ]ila- 
seum by appropriations by Congress. 



188 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

The Institution was legally constituted by act of Congress 
dated August 10, 1846. The administration of affairs was 
intrusted to a Board of Regents, wlio elected a Secretary, 
charged witli the management of the business under their 
direction. 

Tlie corner-stone of the building was laid May 1, 1847. 
President Polli and his Cabinet and a large number of citi- 
zens and strangers were present on tlie occasion. The cere- 
mony was conducted by the fraternity of Masons, the Grand 
Master in charge wearing the apron presented by the Grand 
Lodge of France to Wasliington through Lafayette. Tlie 
gavel employed was that used by Washington upon tlie lay- 
ing of tlie corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States. 
The orator of the day was the Hon. George M. Dallas, of 
Pennsylvania. The building was not entirely completed till 
1856, and at a cost of $450,000. 

Tlie first use of the main hall on the ground floor was for 
an exhibition given by the Mechanics' Institute of Washing- 
ton in 1856. The next year the building was regalarly occu- 
pied, by the transfer to it of the Government collections in 
the Patent Office, as provided by the act of organization, and 
which previously had belonged to the National Institute for 
the Promotion of Science, founded in 1842. On the 24th of 
Jan., 1865, the Institution suliered a serious calamity, in the 
destruction of all the flammable material of the upper portion 
of the main building and towers by fire. The losses were of 
a character, in many instances, which could not be replaced, 
and included the official, scientific, and miscellaneous corre- 
spondence, record-books, and manuscripts in the Secretary's 
office, apparatus, 7:)er5onaZ effects of Sinithson, tools and instru- 
ments, all duplicate copies of Smithsonian reports on hand 
for distribution, and the wood-cuts of illustrations used in the 
Smithsonian publications ; also all of a gallery of Indian por- 
traits, and other private property. The operations of the 
Institution, however, were not impaired, and the destroyed 
parts of the building were restored in their present fire-proof 
condition. There was a long controversy as to the policy of 
the Institution. The Government party favored a national 
library, to contain all the trashy productions of the day. This 
the scientific party warded off, and devoted themselves to 
works in keeping with the spirit of the bequest. A general 
museum was also to be formed. This was probably a less 
practicable enterprise than the former. Capital and income 
combined were not sufficient to make anything worthy of 
the name. The foundation of a gallery of art also on the 
means of the Institution was an absurdity. A few plaster 
casts and pictures, without any claims to the notice of an in- 



CORCORAN GALLERY OP ART. 189 

telligent student or admirer of art, were accumulated, and 
fortunately for the reputation of the Institution, were de- 
stroyed in the fire of 1865. 

In 1866, by act of Congress, the library of the Institution, 
comprising a large and valuable collection of scientific works 
and transactions of societies in all parts of the world, was 
transferred to the Library of the United States. 

The free lectures, originally contemplated prior to 1865, 
were patronized with more or less ardor, but their novelty 
soon languished. After 1865 they Avere finally abandoned, 
and assistance rendered to an association of citizens. 

With the progress of time the Smithsonian Institution has 
become a kind of central head with reference to communi- 
cation with the scientific institutions and societies of other 
countries. 



CORCOKAI^ GALLERY OF AET. 

This interesting and instructive place of resort — open daily ^ 
except Sunday^ from 10 a. m. to ^p.m.from Oct. to April., and 
from 10 a. m. to 6 j9. m. during the rest of the year — stands on 
the XE. corner of Pennsylvania av. and 17th st., opposite 
the War Deparment. The building was commenced in 1859. 
From 1861 to 1869 it was occupied by the Quartermaster 
General of the United States Army, for which compensation 
was allowed. 

It is in tlie renaissance style, and has a frontage of 104 ft. on 
Pennsylvania av., and 124J ft. on 17th st. The exterior is 
constructed of brick, with facings, trimmings, and ornaments 
of Belleville freestone. The front on Pennsylvania av. is 
divided into a central pavilion, with a curtain on either side, 
and flanked by two other pavilions, one on either corner, 
and divided into two stories. The central pavilion has ver- 
miculated quoins in the corner, and these inclose the grand 
entrance door Axith a carved jamb and arch, overtopped witli 
fierce tigers' heads, in relievo. The anticom of the first story 
is simple in design and detail, and at the same time corre- 
sponds with the massiveness of the quoins at the corners of 
the building. 

The second story of the central pavilion consists of an 
arched recess. The span between the import and the sufiit 
of the arch is filled with decorations, and contains the mono- 
gi-am of the founder, surrounded with carved wreaths and 
enscroUments. Just beneath this there is a palladium win- 



190 CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 

dow, with fluted pilasters and columns and capitals, exprei 
ing American foliage, exqiiisitively carved. In the arch 
two wreaths, encirchng various implements of painting ai 
sculpture. 

The central pavilion is flanked on either side by two flut 
cohuuns, with capitals representing the broad leaves anS 
fruit of the cornstalk. These support an entablature, o| 
which are trophies, representing the Arts, on the frieze 
the central pavilion ; and on this are inscribed the wore 
''Dedicated to Art." The cornice over this has a pedimenl 
in the tympanum of which is a bass relief, representing tl 
Genius of Painting, surrounded by figures emblematical 
the sister arts. 

The entire structure is surrounded by an imposing Mai 
sard roof, slated, and carried 10 ft. higher than the ordinal 
roof of tlie building. The architects were James Renwic" 
Jr., and E . T. Auchmuty, of N. Y. The cost of the buildh 
was $600,000. 

The entrance is on Pennsylvania av., and opens into a ve 
tibule 25 ft. by 28 ft., from which lead the broad stairs to tl 
second story. These stairs are of freestone, 10 ft. wide, 
each side are passages 8 J ft. wide, and leading to the sculj 
ture hall. The stairs and lialls are lighted by two courts. 

The vestibule to the sculpture hall is 19 ft. wide by 28_ 
long, witli two spacious bay windows at the ends, 
sculpture hall itself is 96J ft. long by 25 ft. wide, and 
amply lighted by 10 windows. 

The janitor's apartments are on the r. of the main vest 
bule, and just behind them, and connecting with the mnin 
sculptui-e hall, are two rooms, one 19 ft. by 43| ft., the otl'er 
19 ft. square. These rooms can be used for a school of do- 
sign, which it is proposed to establish. 

"On the 1. of the vestibule is the trustees' room, 25 ft. by 33 
ft., and adjoining is the library, 20 ft. by 65 ft. These gal- 
leries are connected by spacious arched doors. 

The picture galleries are on the second floor. The mahi 
stairs open into a hall 28 ft. wide by 42| ft. long, on eitlier 
side of which are small galleries. The grand picture gallery, 
entered at the head of the stairs, is 45 ft. wide by 96 ft. long. 
There are three small galleries fronting on Pennsylvania a v., 
the centre one, being' an octagon, is 25 ft. The other two 
are 25 ft. by 32 ft. In the rear of these, and extending along 
the sides of the building, are two galleries, 19| ft. by 43J ft. 

All these galleries are lighted by sky-lights, and are so" ar- 
ranged that the quantity can be regulated as desired. These 
galleries are connected with each other by lofty arched doors, 
thus affording a continuous passage around the floor. The 



CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 191 

cornices and ceilings of the various galleries are enriched 
with panel ornaments and moldings representing American 
foliage. The floors are laid on brick arches, which rest on 
iron girders. 

The building was formally conveyed by the donor, W. W. 
Corcoran, Esq., of Washington, to a board of trustees in 
1869, who were incorporated in 1870. 

The basis of tlie collection of paintings and statuary is the 
rare and valuable private gallery of Mr. Corcoran, which cost 
upwards of $100,000. The collections comprise — 

lu Statuary^ Powers' Greek Slave, in the octagon room, 
second floor, fitted up with reference to the special exhibition 
of this very superior work of art. In the same room are 
busts of celebrated men, and other objects of interest. 

In Bronzes^ on the first floor, two thirds of all the bronzes 
produced by Barye, numbering about 70 pieces. 

In Antiquities^ reproductions of vases, cups, dishes, &c., 
discovered in an excavation made at Hiklersheim on the site 
of a former Roman camp. 

Of the Paintings^ in the grand hall on the second floor, of 
the private collection of Mr. Corcoran, donated to the gallery, 
ma}^ be mentioned, ''The Adoration of the Shepherds," by 
Mengs, from the collection of Joseph Bonaparte ; '' The Flag- 
ellation of Christ," attributed to Van Dyke ; an unknown 
Flemish picture, ''Ora et Labora," dated 1619; ''The Vil- 
lage Doctor," by Vennemen ; "The Happy and Unhappy 
Families," by Brackaleer; a small Madonna and child, sup- 
posed to be by Murillo ; a beautiful representation of a storm, 
castle on a promontory, fishermen puzzled over their nets, bj' 
Joseph Vernet ; copy of Bega's " Cliild and Xurse ; " a paint- 
ing by George Morland, representing a countryman coming- 
home at sunset; "Shakspeare and His Friends," hy Facd ; 
"Mercy's Dream," by Huntingdon; "The Hudson in Au- 
tumn," by Dougiitj^; "The Departure and the Return," by 
Cole, verj" superior ; "The Amazon," by Leutze ; " Milton," 
(playing the organ to Cromwell and his family,) by Leutze ; 
" The Huguenot's Daughter," by Washington ; " ]Moonrise at 
Madeira," by Hildebran(]t, painted for Mr. Corcoran through 
the instrumentality of Baron v. Humboldt ; a " Winter Scene," 
by Gignoux ; portraits of Washington, after Gilbert Stuart, 
and Lafayette, by Sully ; Lasteyrie, by Rembrandt Peale ; 
Thomas Sully, the artist, by himself; Baron Humboldt, by 
Madame Richards, and Henry Clay, by Inman. 

Among the paintings added by purchase are, "The Death 
of Ccesar," by Jerome; "Comte de Wirtemberg Weeping 
over the Body of his Son," by Ary Shefl'er, (the original;) 
"Spring" and "Twilight, landscapes, by Japy, (Louis;) 



192 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

*'La piiit qui parle," by Vely; "Spring Flowers," by Jean- 
nin; "Lost Dogs," by Von Thoren ; "Two Flowers," by 
Conder ; " Sunset," by Breton ; " Eft'ectof Snow," by Breton; 
"The Drought in Egypt," by Portael, which won the prize 
gold medal in the competition of 1873 at the Crystal Palace. 

Opposite the main door of the picture gallery is a fine life- 
size portrait of Mr. Corcoran at 69 years of age, founder of 
the Institution, painted by Cliarles Elliott in 1867. 

Mr. Corcoran was born in Georgetown, in 1798, and re- 
ceived his education there. He began business as an auction- 
eer and commission merchant. In 1837 he became a banker in 
Washington. In 1840 he became associated with George W. 
Riggs, and retired from business in 1804. Mr. Corcoran still 
enjoys excellent health. 

Among the interesting objects ordered are plaster copies of 
about two-thirds of the Elgin marbles in the British Museum ; 
a collection of porcelain and Fayance manufacture ; copies of 
the Baptistry Gates at Florence ; and antiques being cast in 
plaster in Paris and Rome. 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

This long-neglected tribute to the life and character of 
George Washington, occupies a conspicuous site on a small 
plateau near the banks of the Potomac, W. of the Mall, where 
the Tiber formerly emptied into the main stream, and S. of 
the President's House. 

The Monument Grounds^ or Park^ as originally designated, 
have an area of 45 a. An avenue 69 ft wicle connects Uxecu- f 
tive av. with the Drive which, leaving the lake on the 1., fol-l 
lows the line of the river bank, winds around the Monument, ' 
and communicates Avith the grounds of the Department of 
Agriculture at 14th st. W. A short distance W. of the Mon- 
ument may be seen the stone which marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia. On the hillside to the S. are the Gov- 
ernment Propagating Garden and Nursery. 

The Design. — The design of the Monument, prepared by 
Robert Mills, comprehends an appropriate National testimo- 
nial to the services of the great citizen in whose honor it was 
founded, and at the same time symbolizes the Republic estab- 
lished by his patriotism and discretion. It embraces the idea 
of a grand circular colonnaded building, 250 ft. in diameter, 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 



193 




WASHINGTON MONUMENT. 



and 100 ft. high, from which springs an 
obelisk shaft 70 ft. at the base and 500 
ft. lii.o-h. 

The vast rotunda, forming the grand 
base of the monument, is surrounded by 
30 columns of massive proportions, be- 
ing 12 ft. in diameter and 45 ft. high, 
elevated upon a lofty base or stylobate 
of 20 ft. elevation and 300 ft. square, 
surmounted by an entablature 20 ft. 
high, and crowned by a massive balus- 
trade 15 ft. in height. 

The terrace outside of the colonnade 
is 25 ft. wide, and the pronaos or walk 
within the colonnade, including the col- 
umn space, 25 ft. The walks inclosing 
the cella, or gallery within, are fretted 
with 30 massive pilasters 10 ft. wide, 45 
ft. high, and 7^ ft. projection, answer- 
ing to the columns in front, surmounted 
by their appropriate architrave. The 
deep recesses formed by the projection 
of the pilasters provide suitable niches for the reception of 
statues. 

A tetrastyle portico, (four columns in front,) in triple rows 
of the same proportions and order with the columns of the 
colonnade, distinguishes the entrance to the monument, and 
serves as a pedestal for the triumplial car and statue of tlie 
illustrious chief. The steps to tliis portico are flanked by 
massive blockings, surmounted by appropriate figures and 
trophies. 

Over eacli column, in the great frieze of the entablatures, 
around the entire building, are sculptured escutcheons, (coats 
of arms of each State iii the Union,) surrounded by bronze 
civic wreaths, banded together by festoons of oak leaves, &c., 
all of which spring (eacli way) from the centre of the portico, 
where the coat of arms of the United States is emblazoned. 

The statues surrounding the rotunda outside, under the 
colonnade, are all elevated upon pedestals, and will be those 
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Ascending the portico outside to the terrace level a lofty 
vomitoria, (doorway,) 30 ft. high, leads into tlie cella. (rotunda 
gallery,) 50 ft. wide. 500 ft. iii circumference, and 68 ft. liigh. 
with a colossal pillar in the centre 70 ft. in diameter, aroiuid 
which tlie gallery sweeps. This pillar forms the foundation 
of the obelisk column above. 

Both sides of the gallery are divided into spaces by pilas- 
13 



194 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

ters, elevated on a continned zocle or base 5 ft. hii^li, forming 
an order, with its entablature, 40 ft., crowned by a vaulted 
ceilino; 20 ft., divided by radiatina; archevanlts corresponding 
with the relative positions of the opposing pilasters, and in- 
closing deep sunken coffers enriched with paintings. 

The spaces between the pilasters are sunk into niches for 
the reception of the statues of the fathers of the Revolution, 
contemporary with Washington ; over which are large tablets 
to receive the national paintings commemorative of the bat- 
tles and other scenes of that memorable period. Opposite to 
the entrance of this gallery, at the extremity of the great cir- 
cular wall, is the grand niche for the reception of the statue 
of the ''Father of his Country," elevated on its appropriate 
pedestal, and designated as principal in the group by its co- 
lossal proportions. 

This spacious gallery and rotunda, which properly may be 
denominated the ''national Pantheon," is lighted in 4 grand 
divisions from above. 

Entering the centre pier through an arched way, jon pass 
into a spacious circular area, and ascend with an easy grade, 
by a railway, to the grand terrace, 75 ft. above the base of the 
monument. This terrace is 700 ft. in circumference, 180 ft. 
wide, inclosed by a colonnade balustrade 15 ft. high, with its 
ba.<e and capping. The circuit of this grand terrace is studded 
with small temple-formed structures, constituting the cupolas 
of tlie lanterns, lighting the pantheon gallery below. 

Through the base of the great circle of the balustrade are 4 
apertures at the 4 cardinal points, leading outside of the bal- 
ustrade upon the top of the main cornice, Avhere a gallery 6 
ft. wide and 750 ft. in circumference encircles the whole, in- 
closed by an ornamental guard, forming the crowning mem- 
ber on tiie top of the tholns of the main cornic(; of the grand 
colonnade. Within the thickness of this wall staircases de- 
scend to a lower gallery over the plafond of the pronaos of 
the colonnade, lighted from above. This gallery, which ex- 
tends around the colonnade, is 20 ft. wide, divided into rooms 
for the records of the monument, worlvs of art, or studios for 
artists engaged in the service of the monument. Two other 
ways communicate with this gallery from below. 

In the centre of the grand terrace above described rises the; 
lofty obelisk shaft of the monument, 70 ft. square at the base, ■. 
and 500 ft. high, diminishing as it rises to its apex, where it. 
is 40 ft. square ; at the foot of this shaft, and on each face, 
project 4 massive zocles 25 ft. liigh, supporting so many co- 
lo>!<al sjnnbolic tripods of victory 20 ft. high, surmounted by 
facial columns with their symbols of authority. These zocle 
faces are embellished with inscriptions, which are continued 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 195 

around the entire base of the shaft, and occupy the surface of 
that part of the shaft between the tripods. On each face of 
the shaft, above this, is sculptured the four leading events in 
Wasliington's career in basso relievo, and above this tlie shaft 
is perfectly plain to within 50 ft. of its summit, where a sim- 
ple star is placed, emblematic of the glory which the name of 
Washington has attained. 

To ascend to the summit of the column, the same facilities 
as below are provided within the shaft by an easy-graded gal- 
leiy, which may be traversed by a railway terminating in a 
circular observatory 20 ft. in diameter, around which, at the 
top, is a lookout gallery which opens a prospect all around 
the horizon. 

The inner space, or that under the grand gallery or rotun- 
da, may be appropriated to catacombs for the reception of the 
remains of such distinguished men as the nation may honor 
with interment here. 

In the centre of the monument is placed the tomb of Wash- 
mgton, to receive his remains, should they be removed thither, 
the descent to which is by a broad flight of steps, lighted by 
the same light which illumines his statue. 

Description. — In its present state the Monument is 174 ft. 
high. It rests on a solid foundation of Potomac gneiss rock, 
81 ft. square at the base, 8 feet below the surface, and 18 ft. 
above, narrowing to GO ft. square. The base of the obelisk 
is 55 ft. square outside, the walls being 15 ft. thick, and 25 
ft. square inside. The outer surface consists of heavy blocks 
of crystal marble, from Maryland, laid in regular courses of 
about 2 ft., and backed to the required thickness by gneiss 
rock, as used in the foundation. The inside of the wall is 
perpendicular, while the outer sm-face gradually recedes. At 
the summit, when completed, the walls will have a thickness 
. of but 2 ft. The interior will be provided with an iron stair- 
case. The tablets already built in the interior walls are ar- 
ranged to correspond with the galleries of the proposed 
stairway. 

The Monument, as it now stands, cost $230,000, and was 
six years in building, when the funds ran out. The esti- 
mated cost of the obelisk is $550,000, and pantheon $570,0^0 
additional. Total, $1,120,000. 

The Monument completed would rank with the loftiest 
woi-ks of ancient or modern times, viz : Tower of Babel, 680 
ft.; Washington Monument completed, 600 ft.; Cologne 
Cathedral completed, 511 ft. ; Balbec, 500 ft. ; Pyramid of 
Cheops, 480 ft. ; Cathedral, Strasbourg, 474 ft. ; St. Peter's, 
Rome, 458 ft. ; St. Stephen, Vierma, 445 ft. ; Cathedi-al, Sails- 



196 ARMORY. 

bury, England, 406 ft. ; Cathedral, Antwerp, 405 ft. ; St. 
Paul's Cathedral, London, 404 ft. ; Cathedral, Milan, 400 ft. 

The Lapidarium.— In the low wooden building NE. of the 
Monument may be seen the tablets intended for the interior 
of the Monument, to be placed the same as those already 
used. A keeper, who has charge of the keys, resides on the 
ground, and will exhibit the Monument and tablets, 81 in 
number, to visitors. 

Among the American contributions are a block of native 
copper, weighing 2,100 pounds, from Michigan, and 12 bricks 
from the birthplace of Washington. The contributions from 
abroad are from Mount Vesuvius ; Swiss Republic ; a block of 
granite from the Alexandrian Library, Egypt; China; Bre- 
men; Sultan of Turkey; the Temple of Carthage, Africa; 
ancient Egyptian head; Governor and Commune of the 
Islands of Paros and I^axos ; Temple of Esculapius, island 
of Paros ; Greek Government ; and Japan. 

History. — Repeated attempts have been made to erect a 
suitable tribute to the memory of Washington. In 1783 the 
Continental Congress passed a resolution for a National 
Monument. The site for the Monument, near the presetit 
undertaking, was approved by Washington himself in the 
fii'st plan of the city. In 1800 a bill passed in one House of 
Congress to erect a ''mausoleum of American granite and 
marble in pyramidal form, 100 ft. square at the base, and of 
proportionate height." 

The Washington National Monument Association^ the name 
by which the association of distinguished gentlemen who 
projected the monument was known, was organized in 1835. 
The amount collected to 1848 was $230,000. The corner- 
stone was laid July 4, 1848, with Masonic ceremonies, and in 
the presence of 4,000 people. Repeated efforts have since 
been made to effect its completion, but without success. 



ARMORY. 



This building stands on the SE. portion of the Mall, E. of 
the Smithsonian Institution, and fronts on 6th st. W. The 
main entrance is on the E., where a flight of steps leads to 
the drill-rooms on the second and third floors. 

The first floor is paved and arranged for artillery, there 
being three suitable entrances on the JST. and S. sides of the 



CHURCHES. 197 

building. Each floor is supported by 12 iron pillars, and is 
provided with gun racks and cases for accoutrements. The 
building is about 103 by 57 ft. In 1853 Congress authorized 
the erection of the building, to be used for the care of ord- 
nance arms, accommodation of volunteers and military of the 
District of Columbia, and for the preservation of military 
trophies of the revolution and other wars. It w\as finished in 
1857. The building has long been out of use. It is proposed 
to place it in repair for the purposes for which it was origi- 
nally intended. 



CHURCHES. 



The capital possesses many church edifices which, in ar- 
chitectural display and dimensions, have kept pace with the 
growth of the population in numbers and affluence. The 
finest are the Metropolitan Methodist Episqopal^ in which are 
also an interesting collection of relics from the Holy Land 
and memorial windows, First Congregational^ Neiv-York 
Av. Presbyterian^ Epiphany Protestant Episcopal, Foundry 
Methodist, Calvary Baptist, and St. Aloysius, Roman Catho- 
lic. Of the colored churches, the Fifteenth St. Presbyterian 
and Nineteenth St. Baptist are very fine structures. 

A list of leading churches and locations will be found in 
General Information. 

In 1794 the Washington Parish of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Church, to include the cities of Washington and George- 
town, was formed out of St. John's and St^ Paul's Parishes. 
The parish of Christ Church was next created, and the 
churcli edifice near the Navy Yard was erected about 1800. 
For sixteen years it Mas the only Episcopal place of worship 
in the city. It was attended by Jefferson and Madison. Ser- 
vices are still held in the same structure. The first Presby- 
terian church services were held in 1793, in the carpenter 
shop used by the joiners at work on the President's House. 
The first Baptist church began worship in 1802, and com- 
menced a building on the corner of I and 19th sts. NW. in 
1803. The first Presbji-erian church on F st. was established 
in 1803, services being first held in the hall of the Treasury 
building. In 1826 their new building was completed. St. 
Patrick's, Roman Catholic, was established in 1810. A 
Methodist church was erected near tlie Navy Yard in 1805, 
but meetings had been held in the city before. St. John's 
Episcopal Church, on the NE. corner of 16th and 11 sts. 



198 HALLS. 

ISrW., opposite Lafayette Square, was erected in 1816, from 
designs by Latrobe, tlie architect of the Capitol. In 1820 it- 
was enlarged, and its original form, a Greek cross, was 
changed to a Latin, and a portico and steeple added. Among 
those who attended services here were Presidents Madison, 
Monroe, and Jackson, and the diplomatic representatives of 
England. The first Unitarian church, on 6th and D sts. 
NW., fronting on Louisiana av., was erected in 1824. 



HALLS. 



There are a number of halls in various parts of the city. 

Masonic Temple is on the NW. corner of F and 9th sts. 
NW., entrance on F st., and was erected by the Masonic Hall 
Association. The corner-stone was laid in 1868. The build- 
ing is of granite and Connecticut and Nova Scotia freestone, 
and cost $200,000. The two exposed faces are tastefully en- 
riched with an appropriate introduction of Masonic symbols. 
The ground-floor is occupied by stores, and the second by a 
public hall, 100 by 48 ft. and 25 ft. high, and retiring rooms. 
The hall has been the scene of some of the most brilliant 
balls and State sociables given at the capital. In the third 
story are the Blue Lodges of Masonry, and in the fourth the 
Royal Arch Chapters and Commanderies. The furniture and 
fittings of the lodges are of superior qualitj^ and are unsur- 
passed in any similar place in the country. A lodge of Ma- 
sons was established in the earliest days of the capital. Prior 
to 1816 there were two which assembled in a building on the 
borders of the river. Under the pavement of the Temple, on 
the S. front, is what was formerly known as the City Spring. 

Odd Pellows' Hall, situated on 7th st. W., bet. D and E 
sts. The earlier building was dedicated in 1846, and erected 
out of funds subscribed by the lodges and members meeting 
in the central part of the city. It was remodeled in 1873. It 
has a granite base and pressed-brick superstructure, with gal- 
vanized-iron pilasters, jambs, caps, and cornice, and is sur- 
mounted by three domes, that in the centre raised above the 
others. The groimd-floor is occupied by stores. The stair- 
way at the main entrance leads to the main hall, on the sec- 
ond floor. Tlie hall is 100 by 40 ft. and 22 ft. high, and fitted 
with a stage of 21 ft. additional, at tlie E. end. It is princi- 
pally designed for balls, concerts, and lectiu-es. Adjoining 



NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 199 

are ladies' retiring and gentlemen's cloak-rooms. The third 
floor contains two lodge and one Encampment rooms. The 
Library^ on the same' floor, for the use of members of the 
Order and their families, contains a fine collection of books. 
The first Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
was established in the District of Columbia in 1827 ; the 
Grand Lodge followed in 1828. 

Lincoln Hall. — This fine structure stands on the NE. cor- 
ner of 9tli and D sts. IS" W. It is built of Seneca brownstone, 
witli iron trimmings, is three stories higli, surmounted by a 
Mansard roof. Tlie corner-stone on the SW. bears tlie in- 
stription, " Y. M. C. A., IS'ov. xxvii, mdccclxvii. Jeho- 
vah JiREH." The building was erected by a joint stocli 
company chartered by act of Congress in 1867, and was com- 
pleted in 18G9, at a cost of §200,000. On the ground floor are 
stores. There are two entrances to tlie upper floors : the main 
one to tlie Library and Heading Room and Lincoln Hall on 
D St. ; the smaller, on 9th st. 

Tlie Free Reading Room and Library and the Parlors of the 
Association {open to the public every day except Sunday^ from 
9 a. m. to \0 p. m.) are on the second floor under the Hall, en- 
trances on both sts. The Library contains about 17,000 vols., 
including the leading secular and religious newspapers of the 
country. The Washington City Library, founded in 1814, 
has been consolidated with it. 

On the same floor is Lincoln Hall, the finest lectm*e or con- 
cert hall in the city, which will seat about 1,300 people. 
During each winter a course of lectures is given under the 
auspices of the Association. In its scientific course, the As- 
sociation is aided by the Smithsonian Institution. In addition 
to Lincoln Hall there is a smaller hall, used for religious and 
social gatherings of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
which are held twice dailj^ at noon and 6 p. m. Open to all. 

Willard's Hall, on F st., between 14th and loth sts. W., 
also attbrds excellent accommodations for concerts or theatri- 
cals. 



IS^EWSPAPER OFFICES. 

The buildings occupied by two of the principal newspapers 
of the city will compare favorably in completeness, if not in 
size, with the best structures of the kind in the country. 



200 



NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 



The National Republican Printing Office stands on the SI 
corner of Pennsylvania av. and 13th st. NW. It was desi|^ 
by Henry E . Searle, of Washington, architect, and commeiic 
in 1870. It measures 49 ft. front on the av. and 71 ft. de| 
on 13th St. It has an elevation of 100 ft. above the basemi 
to the top of the tower, and is divided into live stories, incl 
mg the French roof. It is built of point-dressed Seneca st 
from the Potomac, and rock-faced Ohio stone. The latter is 
used in the pilasters, belt, and sill courses, window arches, 
and cornices. In front of the second and fourth stories, on 
Pennsylvania av., are two Ohio-stone balconies, 16 ft. wide, 
with a projection of 5 ft., supported by heavy stone bracliets. 
The first story above the basement is built of solid alternate 
courses of Seneca and Ohio stone, and is topped with a heavy 
Ohio stone cornice. The remaining stories to the cornice 
under the roof are Seneca stone, with Ohio stone trimmings. 
The arches of the Avindows of each story differ, the first, sec- 
ond, and third having segment heads of different patterns, 
and the fourth a half^ircle. Surmounting the entire struc- 
ture is a modern double pitch French roof, slated, and broken 
in towers, and dormer windows on each street. Below the 
roof is a cornice of galvanized iron, and above a cresting of 
the same material. Over the N. dormer window is a clock, 
surmounted by a gilded eagle 16 ft. from tip to tip, and carry- 
ing in its beak a shield, upon which is the monogram X. K. 
There is a flag staff of 60 ft. on the roof. 

There are entrances reached by granite steps on both streets. 
The building is fitted up with every convenience for the em- 
ployees, is supplied witli hydrants and fire-cocks on every 
floor, and is heated by steam. Tlie lower stories are fire-proof. 

The Chronicle Buildinci is situated on Pennsylvania av., S. 
side, No. 914, between 9th and 10th sts. W. It was erected 
in 1873, from designs by T. M. Plowman ; has a frontage of 
25 ft. and depth of 107 ft. to C st., with a basement and su- 
perstructure of 5 stories. The front is of iron, faced with 
columns. Presses are on the first floor, editorial rooms on 
the second, job office on the third, bindery fourtli, aud com- 
posing-i-oom on the fifth. The office possesses all the latest 
improvements of an establisliment of the kind. 

The Evening Star newspaper company have also in con- 
templation the erection of a fine building in a desirable local- 
ity on Pennsylvania av. in the central part of the city. The 
selection of a site has been under consideration, and it is pro- 
posed to erect a building which, in exterior proportions and 
design, will be an ornament to the city, and its interior ar- 
rangement one of the most complete printing offices in th« 
country. 



SCHOOLS. 201 



SCHOOLS. 

The Public Schools are among the prominent features of the 
National Capital. Of the builclinos are the Franklin^ 1st dis- 
trict, cor. 13th and K sts. NW., briclv, 148 X 79 ft., basement 
and three stories, erected in 1869, and contains 14 scliool-rooms. 
This is said to be one of tlie tinest school buildings in the Uni- 
ted States. The Seaton, 2d district, on I, bet. 2d and od sts. 
NW.. brick, 94 X 67 feet, basement and 3 stories, erected in 
1871. The Wallach, 3d district, Pennsylvania av., bet. 7th 
and 8th sts. SE., briclv, 99 X 76 ft., basement and three sto- 
ries, erected in 1864. The Jefferson^ 4th district, cor. of 6th 
and D sts. SW., brick, 172 X 88 ft, basement and 3 stories, 
with 20 school-rooms, erected in 1872. This is tlie largest 
school building in the city. It will accommodate 1,200 pupils. 
It is named after Tiiomas Jefferson, President of the United 
j States, a member of tlie Board of Trustees of the Public 
Schools of Washington, and president of the same 1805-'08. 
I There are also fine grounds. 

In the four school districts there are 43 school buildings, 
owned or rented by the city. The oldest still standing was 
erected in 1800 for a stable, cor. 14th and G sts. NW. 

The Colored Schools are distinct from those attended by 
white children. Prior to 1862 there were no colored public 
schools. Subsequently the schools were under charitable 
associations of the North. 

The first building was erected in 1866, on the square now 
occupied by the Sumnei- building. 

The Sumner Building^ on the NE. corner of M and 17th 
sts. NW., was completed in 1872, at a cost of $70,000. It is 
94 ft. long, by 69 ft. wide, and has a basement, 3 stories, and 
a trussed roof. In it are 10 school-rooms. There are 13 
public schools for colored children. 

The annual expenditures are about $318,000, One third 
of this sum is set apart for colored schools. The total school 
population is 17,403, In 1805 the revenues for tlie support 
of schools were derived from the net proceeds of taxes on 
slaves, dogs, licenses for carriages and hacks, ordinaries and 
taverns, selling wines and spirits, billiard tables, hawkers 
and pedlers, theatres and other public amusements. In 1806 
there were the E. and W. academies. In 1826 the schools 
were supported by lottery. There is now a school tax. The 
public schools were quartered in rented rooms, prior to the 
dedication of the Wallach building, in 1864. 



202 ASYLUMS. 



ASYI.UMS. 



There are a number of public and private institutions for the 
destitute and sick. 

Naval Hospital {open after 12 noon^ during the week, if no 
severe cases) occupies the square between 9th and 10th sts. 
E. and E st. S. and Pennsylvania av. It is accessible from 
the Pennsjdvania av. street cars (red) for the Navy Yard, at 
E St. Tlie hospital is under the Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery of the Navy deoartraent, and is open to officers and 
men of the navy and marine corps. The building consists 
of a tln-ee-story brick edifice, with mansard, and possesses 
accommodations for 50 patients. There is a reading-room for 
convalescents. A medical director in the navy is in charge. 
Naval discipline is observed. 

ITational Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, on G st. be- 
tween 17th and 18th sts. NW., {open to visitors every day^ 
except Sunday, after 9 a. m.,) was incorporated by Congress 
in 18C6, and is supported by Government appropriations. It 
is under the direction of a Board of Lady Managers, and is for 
the support and education of the orphans of the national sol- 
diers or sailors who w^ere killed or died of wounds in the re- 
bellion of 1861-'65. No applicants are received younger than 
6 years, nor retained after 16 years. 

Columbia Hospital for Women, and Lying-in Asylum, 
incorporated 1866, {visiting days Tuesdays and Fridays, from 
10 a. m. to 4 p. m.,) is on the corner of L and 25th sts. NW. 
The general wards for 50 patients are free to the wives of sol- 
diers, on the permit of the Surgeon General ; to women of 
other States, on permit of the Secretary of the Interior ; and 
to women of the District, on permit of the Governor. There 
are also private rooms and special wards for 30 patients, for 
the use of which a small compensation is required. Connected 
with the hospital is an operating room, used for free patients 
only, and open every Saturday at 3.30 p. m., to students of 
medicine in the District. In the W. wing is a dispensary^ 
open every day, where the poor receive medicines and treat- 
ment free. The institution is principally supported by the 
National Government. ^ 

Washington Asylum {open every day, except Sunday) is sit- 
uated in the extreme E. portion of the city, on the public 
reservation, No. 17, laid out for the purpose. It may be 
reached in 15 min. along C st. S., leaving the Pennsylvania 



ASYLUMS. 203 

av. street cars (reel) at that point. The institution combines 
an asyhim for the poor of the District, and a work-house for 
persons convicted in the police courts of minor crimes except 
theft. There are accommodations in the brick bulldln<?s for 
180 persons. The first buildino; was erected in 1815, but the 
present one in 1859. On the X. i^ the District jail, and S. the 
District nurseries, and beyond, the Army and Na\^ masra- 
zines. About J m. distant, SW., is the "Congressional" 
Cemetery. 

Louise Home, {open to visitors every day^ except Sunday^ 
after 12 noon,) erected in 1871, was the g-ift of Mr. Corcoran. 
It Is situated on Massacliusetts av., bet. 15th and 16th sts. 
W. Its design is for gentlewomen of education and refine- 
ment, but reduced to poverty. It is named after the wife 
and daughter of Mr. Corcoran, both deceased. The build- 
'ing, a commodious structure, Avas erected and furnished un- 
der the personal supervision of Mr. Corcoran, and, with the 
grounds, cost $200,000, and has accommodations for 55 per- 
sons. The institution is under the direction of a board of 
trustees, and has an endowment of $250,000. The inmates 
are invited by the board of directresses. 

Providence General Hospital, cor. 2d and D sts. SE., {open 
every day, from 10 to 12 a m. and 2 to 4 p. m.) The hospital 
is owned and under the care of the Sisters of Charity. It 
was founded in 1862, incorporated in 1864, and the present 
building commenced in 1867. It is about 280 ft. long, of 
brick, and will accommodate 250 patients. Towards the 
erection of the building, through Thaddeus Stevens, of Penn., 
Congress appropriated $30,000. There is now an annual ap- 
propriation for 75 non-resident paupers. Indigent persons 
receive permits from the Surgeon General of the Arinj^ but 
any one applying is taken in. The accommodations for pay 
patients are very superior. There is a medical statY of 12 
physicians ; also,' a reading-room, library, chapel, and oper- 
ating-room. 

The Washington City Orphan Asylum, on I, bet. 2d and 3d 
sts. NW., was founded in 1815, Dolly P. Madison, wife of the 
President of the United States, being first directress and Mrs. 
Van Ness second. It was incorporated in 1828, and the cor- 
ner-stone of the first building was laid by Mrs. Van Ness on 
Mausoleum square, on H, bet. 9th and 10th sts. NW., the 
burial-ground of the Burns family. The building is now oc- 
cupied by the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. It is under 
the du-ection of the benevolent ladies of the city. The present 



204 ASYLUMS. 

building is but temporarily occupied, that erected for the per- 
manent use of the Asylum being now rented by the Depart- 
ment of State. 

Children's Hospital, on E, bet. 8th and 9th sts. NW., (visit- 
ing days Sundays^ Tuesdays^ and Fridays, from 3 to 5 p. m.,) 
incorporated in 1871. It is under the patronage of benevo- 
lent ladies and gentlemen, of the city, and has for its object 
the free provision of surgical and medical treatment for the 
helpless children of the District betv^^een the ages of 15 mos. 
and 15 yrs. Admissions through the Board Physicians. The 
sick of the City Orphan Asylum are also treated here. There 
is a free dispensary connected with the hospital, open to all 
every day except Sunday, from 12 m. to 3 p. m. 

St. Jolin's Hospital, for children, (visiting days Mondays 
and Thursdays, from 2 to 5 p. w.,) on I, bet. 20th and 21st 
sts. NW., is under the St. Jolni's Sisterhood of the Episcopal 
Church. The Hospital will shortly occupy its new premises, 
on H, bet. 19th and 20th sts. NW. 

St. Ann's Infant Asylum, founded in 1863, is on the corner 
of K and 24th sts. N W., (visiting days Thursdays, from 2 to 5 
p. m.) It is under the management of the Sisters of Charity, 
and for the children, under 5 years, of the poor. There is a 
lying-in hospital attached. 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, founded in 1855, (visit- 
ing days Satu7'days, from 2 to 5 p. m.,) on H, bet. 9th and 10th 
Sts. NW., is under the care of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. 
The male children at St. Ann's, arriving at 5 years of age, 
are sent here. The building previously belonged to the 
Washington City Orphan Asylum, and was purchased in 
1866. 

St, Vincent's Female Orphan Asylum, founded in 1831, 
(visiting every day, except Saturday and Sunday, bet. 9 and 11 
a. m.,) is on the SVV. cor. of H and 10th sts. NW. It is under 
the care of the Sisters of Charity. To this are transferred the 
female children at St. Ann's arriving at 5 years of age. 

A branch of this asylum, St. Rose'^s Orphan Home, estab- 
lished in 1871, and owned and cared for by the Sisters of 
Charity, is situated on Gr, bet. 20th and 21st sts. NW. Here 
the children, 13 years of age, are sent and taught a trade. 
It is open at any time, and sewing of all kinds for ladies and 
children is taken. 

The Epiphany Church Home is on H, bet. 14th and 15th 
sts. W. 



CEMETERIES. 205 

The Home for the Aged, under the Little Sisters of the 
Poor, is on tiie ^W cor. of 3d and H sts. NE. 



CEMETERIES. 

Two squares, known as the Eastern and Western Burial- 
grounds, were originally allotted by the Government for 
the interment of tiie dead. The E. Burial-ground has been 
removed. The W. Burial-ground, known as the Holmead 
Cemetery, on 19th st. W., between S. and T. sts. IS"., is still 
in use. The oldest gravestones still standing are in the IS". 
portions, ranging from 1807 to 1811. In this Cemetery are 
the remains of the religious enthusiast, Lorenzo Dov»r. His 
grave is on the N. borders of the grounds, and about the 
centre from E. to W. A picket fence closely surrounds 
the slab, upon whicli is the inscription : "The repositor}^ of 
Lorenzo Dow, who was born in Coventrj^, Conn., Oct. 18, 
1777. Died February 2, 1834. Aged 56. A Christian is the 
highest style of a man : he is a slave to no sect ; takes no 
private road to Heaven; but looks through nature up to 
nature's God." The Cemetery is much neglected. 

Oongressional (or Washington Parish) Cemetery, (opeii 
every daj/, except Sundaij,) is situated in tlie extreme SE. 
portion of the city, on tiie banks of the Anacostia, and is 
accessible from the Washington and Georgetown Street Rail- 
way, along E St. S. from 8th st. E., distant -^- m. The Cem- 
eterj^, laid out in 1807, originally comprised about 10 a., but 
subsequent extensions have increased it to 30 a. The name 
Congressional originated from the fact that a number of sites 
are set apart for the interment of members of Congress, in 
return for Government donations of land and money. The 
small freestone cenotaphs, to the memory of deceased mem- 
bers of Congress, form a conspicuous feature. The grounds 
are adorned with drives, walks, trees, shrubs, evergreens, 
and a large fountain. 

The oldest graves lie IST. of the lodge and a few feet S. of 
the iron railing, and are of William, Mary, and James Math- 
ers, 1801-5. Xear the superintendent's lodge is the grave of 
Commodore Tingej'', second in command to Commodore 
Decatur in the Algerine war. In the NE. portion lies George 
Clinton, of New York, Vice President of the United States, 
died in 1811. A few feet distant lies Elbridge Gerry, of Mass- 



206 CEMETERIES. 

achnsetts, signer of the Declaration of Independence and 
Vice President of tiie United States, died in 1814. This 
monument was erected by act of Congress. Not far off is 
the grave of Tobias Lear, private secretary and friend of 
George Washington, died in 1816. Near by are the graves 
of John Forsyth, Secretary of State, and Commodore Mont- 
gomery. On the 1. of the wallt is the monument of Pus-ma- 
ta-ha, a Choctaw chief, tlie wliite man's friend, who died at 
Washington in 1824. Further on is the monument to Wil- 
liam Wirt, Attorney General of the United States 1817-1829, 
died 1834. On the' 1. of the carriage road, near the fountain, 
is the grave of General x\lexander" Macomb, Commander-in- 
chief of the United States Army, wiio died 1841. This mon- 
ument is a handsome piece of workmanship, appropriately 
embellished and inscribed. A few feet off stands a broken 
shaft over tlie remains of Major General Jacob Brown, Com- 
mander-in-chief of the United States Army, died 1828. 

In tlie same vicinity is a monument to Abel Parker Up- 
shur, Secretary of the Navy 1841, Secretary of State 1843, 
died 1844, and Captain Kennon, killed by the explosion of 
the great gun on board the United States frigate Princeton. 
A few paces oft" stands the collossal monument to Joseph 
Lovel, Surgeon General of the United States Army, died 
1836. Near by is the. monument erected to Major General 
George Gibson, U. S. A., Commissary General of Subsist- 
ence, 1861, and to Frederick Rogers, midshipman in the 
United States Navy, drowned at 'Norfolk, Va., 1828, while 
making efforts to save IMidshipmcn Slidell and Harrison, his 
friends and companions in life and death. 

Among others are the Wainwright family, consisting of 
Commodore Richard Wainwright, Bvt. Lt. Col. R. Auch- 
matty Wainwrisht, Bvt. Lt. Col. Robert DeWar, of the 
United States Navy. All of these lie in the Wainwright 
vault, in the southern extremity of tlie grounds. In the S. 
portion is the tomb of Alexander Dallas Bache, Superin- 
tendent of United States Coast Survey service. Also a mar- 
Tble monument, representing a broken ship's mast, to George 
Mifflin Bache, of the brig AVashington, and his associates, 
who perished at sea on Septembers, 1846, in a hurricane. 
Not far distant is the monument erected to the young ladies 
killed by the arsenal explosion. The remains of George 
Watterson, one of the early Librarians of Congress, lie in 
the vault bearing his name. 

In another part are about 1 00 sites purchased by the Ma- 
sonic fraternity. This fraternity purchased these sites for 
the benefit of the craft who should die in mdigent cu'cum- 
stances. 



DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. 207 

The vaults and lots of some of the oldest citizens of the 
District are also in this cemetery. 

The public vault, erected by Confess, lies SE. of the 
entrance, about the centre of the cemetery. It is a massive 
structure, entered by an iron door, which leads through a 
passage to a second iron door. 



DISTKICT GOVEKNMENT. 

The offices of the Mayor and Councils of the corporation 
of Washington, previous to the abolition of the municipal and 
the adoption of the territorial form of government, occupied 
the City Hall. That structure having since become the prop- 
erty of the United States, the various offices of the District of 
Columbia are at present occupying rented buildings. 

Tlie Governor''s Office is at the NW. corner of Pennsylva- 
nia av. and 17th st. *NW. The Legislative Assembly holds its 
sessions in a bnilding known a? Metzerott's Hall, on Pennsyl- 
vania av., between 9th and 10th sts. W., on the N. side. The 
Board of Public Works, Assessor, Comptroller, and other 
District officers, occupy a structure known as Columbia 
Building, on 4| st. AV., W side, near Pennsylvania av. The 
Legislative Assembly, in 1873, appropriated $90,000 for the 
erection of a suitable building for the District officers. Con- 
gi-ess also appropriated $75,000, the amount due on the City 
Hall, for the same purpose. It is proposed to erect the Ter- 
ritorial Building on the unoccupied portion of Centre Market 
Space, on Penns3dvania av., between 7th and 9th sts. W. 

Fire Department — The earliest measures for the security 
of the city against fire were exceedingly primitive. House- 
keepers were required to have a certain number of buckets, 
witli their names, for each storj'". They were regularly in- 
spected. An old-style manual system was next adopted. In 
1835 there were two fire engines, and in 1846 seven. In 1861 
the National Government engaged the services of the Iliber- 
nia Steam Fire Engine, of Philadelphia, and brought the first 
steamer to Washington, as a means of protection for the im- 
mense quantities of Government stores. In 1864 the paid 
systom went into operation. The Government then owned 
tin-ee steam fii-e engines, and the corporation three, and one 
Hook and Ladder Company. In 1869 the Government 
steamers were withdrawn. 



208 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. 

The entire force of the District now consists of 5 Steam 
Fire Enj^ines, 1 Hook and Ladder Company, and 29 horses, 
(4 to each engine,) and 59 officers and men, (10 to each com- 
pany.) The administrative control is under a Board of Fire 
Commissioners, a Chief and Assistant Engineer, and Secre- 
tary. In connection with the service is a Fire Alarm Tele- 
grajyh, with tlie Central Station at Police Headquarters. 
There are 72 alarm stations in various parts of the oitj. The 
buildings were erected by the cit.y, and have every conveni- 
ence for the men, animals, and apparatus, and are arranged 
with special reference to dispatch in responding to alarms. 
The engines are also of the most approved patterns. The 
foreman will show visitors ever.y thing of interest. The com- 
panies are located, ISTo. 1, K st.', bet.lOth and 17th W. ; J^o. 
2, D St., near 12th NW. ; No. 3, Capitol Hill, New Jersey 
av. SE. of the Capitol; No. 4, Virginia av., bet. ^ and 6th 
St. SW ; No. 5, Georgetown, Higli street, near Bridge. Hook 
and Ladder, Massachusetts av.,"bet. 4tli and 5th sts. 

Metropolitan Police — (Office on Louisiana av., bet. ^ and 
6th St. W.) This branch of the District service was estab- 
lished in ISGl. Li 186G a police telegraph was constructed. 
The police force consists of 238 officers and men, with duties 
extending throughout the entire District, There are 8 pre- 
cincts. 

District Jail. — The present jail of the District of Columbia 
is a three-storied, white-washed brick structure, occupying a 
portion of public reservation No. 9, N. of the City Hall, and 
on the SW. corner of G and 4th sts. NW., completed about 
1841. 

A new jail^ more suitable to the necessities of the Dis- 
trict, is being erected on the N. portion of reservation No. 13, 
on the Anacostia, immediately N. of the Washington Asy- 
lum. The plan contemplates an outer range of one-storied 
buildings of solid masonry, forming the enclosure of the jail 
proper. The latter will be built of Seneca stone, brick, and 
iron, three stories high, with ranges of cells on each floor, 300 
in all. 

Between the inner building and the outer walls there will 
be a space of 16 ft., which will be under the surveillance of the 
guards. 

Tlie building will be 310 by 193 ft., and from the stone base 
to the main cornice 50 ft. high, to the ridge 68 ft., and to the 
top of the cupola 90 ft. On either end of the building will 
be ventilating shafts 86 ft. high, and, in conjunction with 
steam pipes under each tier of "cells, will preserve a regular 



THE MARKETS. 209 

temperature. The centre of the building will form a vesti- 
bule 16 ft. square, from the lower floor of which will sprina; 
the staircases leading to the tiers of prisoners' cells. The S. 
projection will embrace tlie warden's ofiice, guard, and wit- 
ness rooms, while the IST. will contain a chapel and kitchen. 
The basement will be devoted to laundry, bath-room, and 
culinary conveniences. 

The structure was designed by Adolf Cluss, architect, and 
is being executed by A. B. Mullett. 



THE MAEKETS. 



The country around the ]S"ational Capital produces fine 
vegetables of all descriptions, and the Potomac river and 
Chesapeake Bay afibrd not onlj'- fish and oysters unexcelled 
and in great quantities, but admirable facilities for supplying 
the Markets with the earlier produce of more southern lati- 
tudes. The best qualities of meats and the finest game, 
aquatic and field, are also otTered for sale at cheaper rates 
than other large cities. There are four principal markets in 
the cit3% two already accommodated with very fine peima- 
nent buildings. Strangers would find the markets a most 
interesting place for a visit. 

The largest is the Centre Market,^ erected by the Washington 
Market Company in 1870, comprising three commodious brick 
structures — a central building and two wings — length from 
E. to W., 410 ft., and wdiich occupy tlie S. half of the square 
between 7t]i and 9th sts. W., on the S. side of Pennsylvania 
av., and accessible by horse cars on that av. and 7th and 9th 
sts. Market every day. 

The Eastern Market^ on Capitol Hill, at the junction of 7th 
St. E. and North Carolina av., completed in 1873, is also a 
fine la^-ge brick structure. 

The Western Market^ on K between 20th and 21st sts. NW., 
and the Northern Market^ between 6th and 7th and O and P 
sts. NW., at present temporarily occupy sheds. Brick struc- 
tures of large dimensions are now in course of erection for 
their acconimodation. In the original plan of the city, 1791, 
there were three reservations for the E., W., and Centre 
Markets ; the latter, however, is the only one erected on the 
site originally set apart. 
14 



210 PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST. 



PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEEEST. 

Tlie residence of Gren. J. P. Van ISTess still stands on wl 
was known as Mansion Sqnare, about 6 a., at the foot of 11 
St. W., between B and C sts. N., and where the Tiber th| 
emptied its waters into the Potomac. It was previously tl 
residence of David Bnrns, one of the original proprietors of 
the site of Washington, who owned, by inheritance tlirongh 
several generations of Scottisli ancestors, what now consti- 
tute the tinest portions of the city. Gen. Van Ness, a repre- 
sentative from New York, by his marriage, about 1802, with 
Marcia Burns, sole heiress of the Bums estate, enlarged the 
buildings, erected green houses, planted trees and fruits, and! 
made other improvements, then considered veiy superior. 
The place was then ofie of the finest in the country. The ; 
square is enclosed by a brick wall, with a fine gateway anclj 
two lodges. Many of the venerable trees are still growing. ' 
The Van Ness warehouse, on the line of 17th st., is still stand- 
ing, though very dilapidated. The Washington canal ran just 
S."of it. Attorney General William Wirt' occupied the fine 
old mansion, now the National Soldiers' and Sailors^ Orphan 
Asylum, on G St., between 17tli and 18th sts. W. The Old 
Capitol, now converted into private residences, stands on tlic 
nVv. corner of A and 1st sts. NE. Congi-ess met here after 
the burning of tlie Capitol in 1814. During the war it Vvu;^ 
used as a p'olitical prison. Wirz, the prison keeper of Ander- 
son ville, was executed here. 

On North Carolina av., between 1st and 2d sts. SE., stands 
the venerable mansion of Duddington, owned by Daniel Car- 
roll, one of the original proprietors of the site of Wasliington, 
and one of the three commissioners appointed in 1791 to su- 
perintend the building of the city. 



SECTION Y. 

ENVIRONS OF WASHINGTON. 




EOKGETOWJ^, in the District of Columbia, pop- 
ulation in 1870, 11,384, lies NW. of Washington, 
upon the 1. or N". bank of the Potomac River, near 
the heart of natural navigation. It is the port of 
entry of the District of Columbia. The city is 
separated from Washington by Rock creek, a 
small mountain stream, across which are three fine 
bridges, and, topogi-aphically, is exceedingly'' romantic, being 
situated on a series of hills, the highest of which are known 
as " Georgetown Heights." These overlook a vast sweep of 
countr}^ including Washington and the broad bosom of the 
Potomac. Upon these heights are numerous beautiful villas. 
Before the foundation of the rival citj' adjacent it enjoyed 
considerable local importance, and cariled on a brisk com- 
merce on the river and with the surrounding country. Its 
exports were chiefly tobacco, floui-, and leather. Its trade 
continued to flourisli as late as 1830, wlien 5,000 hhds. of to- 
bacco and 80,000 bbls. of flour were inspected here. In addi- 
tion to home commerce there was a trade with Europe, South 
America, and the West Indies. The city was laid out under 
authority of an act of the Colonial Assembly of Maryland, 
passed in 1751. The proprietors were George Gordon and 
George Beall. In 1789 it was incorporated, and Robert Peter 
was chosen fu'st mayor. 

Georgetown may be reached from Washington by two 
lines of horse-cars — the Metropolitan on F st., (Georgetown 
cars,) and the Washington and Georgetown on Pennsylvania 
av. For convenience, it would be well to go out by the for- 
mer and return by the latter. Arriving at Washington st., 
Georgetown, the visitor will leave the cars, and a short v'alk 
to the head of the street will bring him to the entrance to 
Oak Hill Cemetery^ {open every day^ except Sunday and holi- 
days^ from sunrise to sunset.) The old portion, 10 a., incor- 
porated by Congress in 1849, was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 
(211) 



212 GEORGETOWN. 

and this was increased by subsequent purchases to about 30 
a. It lies on the N. slope of Georgetown Heiglits, at the foot 
of which runs Eock creek. It is an extremely beautiful spot. 
The cemetery has an endowment of $120,000, from Mr. Cor- i 
coran. It contains a fine chapel and superintendent's lodge. 
All the graves are vaulted with bluestone. The Corcoran 
mausoleum stands in the NE. portion of the ground. On the 
W. is the memorial cliapel of Mr. Linthicum. In the E. por- 
tion is the Van Ness mausoleum, designed by Hadtield. It 
formerly stood on Mausoleum Square, H st., bet. 9th and 10th, 
Washington, the burial%round of the family of David Burns, 
one of the original proprietors of the site of Washington. It 
is a copy of the Temple of Vesta, at Rome. It was erected 
by Gen. Van Ness, and contains the remains of the Burns 
family, Marcia Van JSTess, and her husband. Among the 
prominent persons buried here are Chief Justice Chase, E. 
M. Stanton, Secretary of War, on the brow of tlie hill, on 
the E.; Gen. L. Reno, near the latter, and Gen. Plummer, 
in W. portion. The public vault is large, and of tlie time of 
Henry VIII. The grounds were formerly known as Parrott's 
woods. 

Returning to the same line of street-cars, and alighting on 
the r. side, at Market st., at the head of the street is tlie George- 
town High-Service Reservoir, The same point may be reached 
by turning to the r. outside the cemetery gate, and follow- 
ing Road St. to the corner of High. It consists of a domical 
reservoir, of brick, 120 ft. in diameter, with a capacity of 
1,000,000 galls., and is fed from the Aqueduct mains at the 
bridge over Rock creek by 2 pumps. The surface-water is 
215 ft. above tide and 70 ft. above tlie Distributing Reservoir. 
It supplies all that part of Georgetown over 100 ft. above tide. 
Descending the st. a short distance towards the city, and 
following the track to Fayette st., on the opposite corner is 
the Convent of the Visitation^ founded in 1799, but not now 
open to visitors. The Academy^ under the care of the Sisters 
of the Visitation, was founded at the same time, and occupies 
the building on the IST., rebuilt in 1873, and is open to visitors 
on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 12 7ioon. The entrance 
is by the door of the new building, where visitors will be re- 
ceived and conducted through the school. There are two de- 
partments : primary for girls from 6 to 12 years, and senior, 
for young ladies of all school ages. There is a fine philosoph- 
ical apparatus, chemical laboratory, and library. Tlie Acade- 
my grounds comprise 40 a. Attached to the Convent is a vault 
containing tlie remains of Archbishop Neale, second Bishop 
of Baltimore, and founder of the institution, tlie daughter of 
Madame Yturbide, and the daugliter of Gen. Winfield Scott, 



GEORaETOWN. 213 

a religious of the order. This Convent is the oldest institution 
of the kind in the country. 

Descending Fayette st. two squares, the st. to the r. leads 
to Georgetown College^ {open every day except Sunday,) situ- 
ated W. of the cit3% founded in 1789, and is the oldest Roman 
Catliolic College in the country. In 1815 it was raised by 
Congress to the rank of a Univers^tJ^ It is under the care of 
the Jesuits. The original building is still standing on the S., 
and is flanked by two buildings of more modern construction. 
Boys of all ages are received and carried through an entire 
course of instruction. Tiie library contains 30,000 volumes, 
amongst which are many rare and curious works. There are 
100 volumes printed between 1460 and 1520, and three manu- 
scripts anterior to 1400, and others later. 

Among the earliest printed books are the works of St. Isi- 
dore, of Seville, 1472 ; a book of church music, 1G30. The 
oldest Bible is 1485 ; a monastic prayer book, on vellum, XVth 
centuiy; an illuminated prayer book, vellum, XLIIth centu- 
ry; an illuminated catalogue of the members of the Society 
of Jesus in Mexico in 1744 ; Commentaries of Paul de Castro, 
1483, witli a chain; an Eng'lish black-letter book, London, 
1555; ^E'^op's Fables in Sanscrit; the works of Martin Lu- 
ther, 15G4, printed 18 years after his death ; the Bollandus 
Lives of the Saints, commenced 1643. There are also a phi- 
losophical cabinet, chemical laboratory, and museum. In 
the latter is a valuable collection of coins and medals and 
relics of Commodore Decatur. 

Tlie Astronomical Observatory is the small building, 400 
yds. distant, on the W. The Medical Department was es- 
tablished in 1851, and the Law in 1870. From the grounds S. 
of the buildings is a fine view. 

Returning towards the city, take the first open street leading 
down to thci river. At the foot of the hill is the Chesapeake 
and Ohio Canal. The first undertaking was known as the 
Potomac Company, chartered by Maryland in 1784, and com- 
pleted before 1800 around the Little and Great Falls. Tliese 
elforts were followed by the charter, by Congress, Maryland, 
Pennsylvania, and Virginia, of the present enterprise. Work 
was commenced in 1828. The object was the connection of 
tide-water on the Potomac with the head of navigation on 
the Ohio, a distance of 360 m. In 1841 the canal was opened 
to Cumberland, 182 m., at a cost of 813,000,000, of wliich 
Maryland subscribed $5,000,000, the United States $1,000,000, 
Waslnngton $1,000,000, and Georgetown, Alexandria, and 
Virginia each 8250,000. Cumberland remains the termiiuis. 
The execution of the enterprise was a work of great difficulty. 
There are 75 locks of 100 ft. in length, 15 ft. in width, and 



214 



ANALOSTAN, OR MASON S ISLAND. 



averaging 8 ft. lift; 11 aqueducts, 1 across the Monocacy 
river, consisting of 7 arclies of 54 ft. span ; also 190 culverts 
of various dimensions, some sufficiently spacious to admit of 
the passage of wagons. The canal is fed by a number of 
dams across the Potomac, varymg from 500 to 800 ft. 
length, and from 4 to 20 ft. elevation. The breadth of 
canal is 60 ft. for the first 60 m. above Georgetown, and 
the remaining distance to Cumberland 50 ft., with a unifoi 
depth of 6 ft. The enthe lift is about 600 ft. The aqueducts 
loclvs, and culverts are constructed of stone laid in hydrai '" 
cement. The tunnel through the ' ' Pawpaw Eidge ' ' is 3,1 
ft. in length and 24 ft. in diameter, with an elevation of 
ft. clear of the surface of the water. The canal connects witl 
Rock creek. From this point a canal, now out of use or 
filled, extended across Washington to the Anacostia. The 
canal to Cumberland opens the immensely valuable and rich 
coal sections of western Maryland and West Virginia. The 
unfinished poriion of the canal from Cumberland to Pitts-_ 
burg is 178 m. 

The Alexandria Canal, incorporated by Congress in 11 
starts at Georgetown. It crosses the Potomac on a 
Aqueduct 1,400 ft. long and 36 ft. above high water, 
piers are embedded 17 ft. in the bottom of the river, and^ _ 
capable of resisting tlie immense weight of ice thrown agains 
them by the current of the river in winter. 

A very interesting feature of the city are the coal wharves, 
where the coal is transhipped into schooners for transporta- 
tion to the ports on the Atlantic seaboard. The total mer- 
chant vessels belonging to the port, including Washington, 
m 1872, was 412 — 25,656 tons — or sailing and steam vessels, 
barges and canal boats, 419—26,623 tons. The foreign trade 
is chiefiy carried on through other ports. Georgetown is one 
of the largest shad and herring marlvets in the United States. 
Notwithstanding the facilities aftbrded by the falls of the 
Potomac, the manufacturing interests of the city are small. 

A short walk along Bridge st. brings the visitor to the 
Rock-creek bridge^ connecting the two cities. It consists. 
a 200-ft. span, with 20 ft. rise, the arch formed by two lat 
courses of cast-iron pipe, 4 ft. internal diameter, and IJ 
in thickness. The arch is supported on massive abutments 
of sandstone. Tlie pipes convey the water of the Aqueduct 
across the stream, and at the same time carry a street road 
and horse railway. Here tlie Pennsylvania av. street cars 
may be taken back to Washington. 

Analostan, or Mason's Island, is tlie large tract in the P| 
tomac river, opposite Georgetown. It contains 70 a., 



ARLINGTON HOUSE AND NATIONAL CEMETERY. 215 

was the residence of Gen. John ISIason. The mansion still 
stands at the S. end, 50 ft. above the river. The now neg- 
lected grounds were also beautifully adorned. A causeway 
on the' Virginia side and fei-ry-boat from Georgetown in 
former times atlbrded communication with the main land. 

Arlington House and National Cemetery — {Open to visit- 
ors evenj day,) Arlington House, from 180'2, was tlie resi- 
dence of George AVasliington Parke Custis, the adopted son of 
Gen. Wasiiiugton, and in late j'ears of Gen. Robert E. Lee, 
tUl 1801. It is on the Virginia shore of the Potomac, on tlie 
summit of a hill, *200ft. above the river. It is about 4 m. from the 
Capitol, and about 1 m. from Georgetown, across the Aque- 
duct bridge. The view of Washington is witliout a rival. 
Tlie centre building, CO ft., and two wings, each 40 ft., give 
a frontage of 140 ft. In front is. a portico GO ft. long and 
25 ft. deep. The pediment rests on 8 doric columns, (G in 
front) 5 ft. in diameter and 2G ft. high, built of brick, stuc- 
coed. The design was from drawings of the temple at Paes- 
tum, near Xaples. On tlie S. are the gardens and conserva- 
tory. In tlie rear are the kitchens, slave quarters, and stables. 
In V^Q mansion, wlien occupied by its former possessors, 
were rare and valuable pictures,, including two by Van- 
dyke, one by Sir Godfrey Knelhu", painted 1707, represent- 
ing Col. Parke, a fine euvi'iving of tlie Death of Chatham, 
by Copely, and of IS^'apiei-, the inventor of the logarithms, 
presented by the Earl of Buchan, and addressed ito "Mar- 
shal ■ ' General Washington, announcing that Louis XVI had 
created the General a Marshal of France, l^iat he might be of 
sufficient rank to commaiul the veteran Count de Rochambeau ; 
also a Death of Vv'olfe, presented to Washington by W^est ; the 
Mount Vernon plate, bearing the arms and crest of Washing- 
Ion.- The bed and bedstead upon which Washington, as first 
President, slept during his whole ])residency, and on which 
he breathed his last, on December 14, 1700; china having the 
names of the votes of the old Confederation ; a service also 
bearing the representation of the Order of the Cincinnati, 
and other relics from the home of Washington. These were 
taken away bj' the family. 

Of original pictures of Washington there were four at Ar- 
lington. The earliest, and only one extant at that age, was 
a full size, three-quarter length portrait by Charles Wilson 
Peale, the elder, painted in 1772, representing the subject as 
a provincial colonel, in the colonial uniform ; the second was 
a half bust by Houdon, antique, full size, taken after the Re- 
volution ; the tliird, a cabinet picture in relief, hj Madame 
de Brienne, representing the heads of Washington and La- 



216 



PORT WHIPPLE. 



fayette, date about the same as Houdon, and the foui 
profile likeness in crayon, by Sharpless, in 1796. Of ot 
originals is the equestrian picture by Trumbull, in 1790, 
the City Hall, K. Y., and a crayon by Mr. Williams, fi 
sittings in '1794, lost. There are three originals by Stu 
the head, a masterpiece, and bust, from wliicli many coj 
have been made, the full length for the Marquis of La 
downe, and one for Mrs. Washington. Ceracci, the sculpt 
about 1794, executed two busts in marble, one of Washing 
and the other of Hamilton. In 1795 both the elder and 
j'Ounger Peale had sittings. 

Arlington House in its halcyon days was famed foi 
hospitality. The last proprietor, Gen. Lee, came in pes 
sion tln-ough his wife, who was the daughter of INIr. Cu 
Having gone over to the rebellion against the National Gove 
ment, and become its military cliieftain, the estate, upw 
of 1,000 a., was abandoned. In 1863 it was sold under 
confiscation act, and in 1864 w^as taken possession of by 
National Government. About 200 a. were set apart 
Nalional Cemetery for the interment of deceased soldiei'sj 
the army. The Cemetery was formally established in If 
In the rear and 1. of the mansion is an ampJiitheairey c;; 
of accommodating 5,000 persons, erected in 1873, and desij 
for use in the annual ceremonies observed on decoration 

The grounds were laid out with special reference to 
purposes in view. The bodies of nearly 16,000 soldiers, fi 
many a battle-field in Virginia and tlie hospitals at the capit 
here find a fitting resting place. The W. Cemeteiy is devc 
to white, and tli^N. to colored troops. A sliOrt distance^ 
of mansion is a granite sarcophagus^ surmounted by cam 
and balls, in 1866 placed over the grave of 2,111 unknot! 
soldiers gathered after the war from the fields of Bidl 
and the route to the Rappahannock. The carnage enfrc 
is on the SE., through a freestone gateway of compc 
order, erected in 1873. On the frieze are suitable insci 
tions, and over the arch ''Here rest 15,585 of the 315,1 
citizens who died in defence of our country from 1861 
1865." On the 1. of tlie road leading from the main 
way towards the river is the once-famous Custis sprit 
In 1850 it was visited from the capital by thousands of 
dents and strangers. The forest which sheltered its limi 
waters was felled for the uses of the army during the 
bellion. 

Fort Whipple, reached by the road to the r. soon 
crossing the Georgetown Aqueduct, lies a sliort distance 
of Arlington House. It is now a station for the instruc 



AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 217 

of officers ancl men in army signalling. It was built during 
the rebellion, and constituted portion of the defenses cover- 
ing the Aqueduct and Long Bridge, and the intermediate 
Heights of Arlington. Then it mounted 6 12-ib. ISTapoleon 

guns and 4 12-ft>. howitzers. 

• 

The Aqueduct and Great Falls of the Potomac— One of 
the most interesting excursions is the drive by the Aqueduct 
to the Great Falls of tlie Potomac. 

Table of distances from the Navy-yard to the Great Falls: 
From the Xavy-vard to the E. front of the Capitol, 1.78 m; 
to Rock-Creek Bridge, (N'o. 6,) 4.65; College-Pond Bridge, 
(No. 5,) 5.68; Foundry Branch, 5.94; Pipe Vault Dist. Res., 
6.57; Influent Gate House, 7.03; Waste Weir, (N"o. 3,) 7.44; 
Gate House Rec. Res., 8.89 ; Wooden Bridge Rec. Res., 9.19 ; 
Brooks' Road, 9.74; Cabin John Bridge, (No. 4,) 12.33; 
Mountain-Spring Bridge, (No. 3,) 13.59; Culvert No. 12, 
14.27; Road at Radcliff's, 15.37; Junction Road, 16.65; 
Bridge No. 2, 17.13 ; Bridge No. 1, 17.32 ; Overfall No. 1, 
18 ; Waste Weir No. 1, 18.23 ; Great Falls Gate House, 18.59. 

Entering Georgetown from Pennsylvania av. the Aque- 
duct maybe reached by Bridge and Fayette sts., and new 
road to the Distributing Reservoir^ a distance of 2 m. The 
water surface of this reservoir is 33 a. ; capacity, 150,000,000 
galls, at depth of 11 ft., and 300.000,000 gall, at 24 ft ; eleva- 
tion, 144 ft. above mean tide at the Navy-yard. 

From this ])oint the water is carried by iron mains into the 
cit}'. (See Water Supply, p. 46.) The Aqueduct terminates 
here, the intUient gate-house standing on the NW. corner. 
A 7-ft. Auxiliary Conduit connects the influent and affluent 
gate-houses on the N., which may be used independeiitl.y of 
tiie reservoir. The Aqueduct consists of a cylindrical con- 
duit, of 9 ft. internal diameter, constructed of stone and 
brick, laid in hydraulic cement, and covered b,y an em])ank- 
ment or tunneled through the hills, and is carried across the 
streams by means of magnificent bridges, and has a fall of 9 
in. to the in. Tlie capacity of the conduit, full, is 80,000,000 
galls, every 24 hrs. The pi'esent mains can carr}^ oil" 30,000,- 
000 galls.;" the consumption, however, is but 17,000,000. 

From tlie Distributing Reservoir is a beautiful drive, 2 m. 
on the embankment of the Aqueduct, to the Rcceivinc/ Reser- 
voir. The scenery on all sides is romantic in the extreme. 
On the 1. is the Potomac and the Little Falls. 'J'he Receiv- 
ing Reservoir, a natural basin, formed by an embanlvment 65 
ft. high, across PoMxler-Mill Creek, retains the water within 
the encircling arms of the surrounding hills. It has a sin- 
face area of 52 a., a greatest depth of 53 ft., and drains 40,000 



218 AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 



a. of the adjacent country. The Sluice Tower is in th€ 
end. A conduit extends around the S. side, connectingii 
Aqueduct, without passing through the Keceiving Eesei 
Tlie capacity is 103,000,000 galls. The NW. boundary ( 
District crosses the Reservoir just beyond tlie Sluice 'T< 
The height of water in the Reservoir is controlled by a 
nel cut in solid rock. The Aqueduct enters through a ti 
800 ft. in length, and pierced through solid rock. 

Passing the Receiving Reservoir, and resuming the^i 
bankment, a drive of 3 m., through a picturesque com 
brings us to the famous Cabin-John Bridge. This m; 
cent structure springs the chasm of Cabin- John Creek 
height of 101 ft. The bridge is erected of immense bloclj 
granite, with Seneca parapets and coping, and leaps thi 
vine in a single arch of 220 ft., with 57| ft. rise froi 
springing line. The bridge is 20 ft. wide, and its e^ 
length 482 ft. It cost $237,000. This magnificent woi 
art is unequalled in the history of bridge building. It 
largest stone arch in the world ; the second being that 
Grovesner Bridge, with a span of 200 ft., which cross 
river Dee. The next in size is at Viell Briode, acrosii 
AUier, in France, the span being 183 ft. One mile above^ 
Mou7itain-Spring Brook^ crossed by a beautiful elliptical 
of masonry, 75 ft. span. The bridge is 200 ft. long, 
$76,000. From this point the aqueduct is conducted tl 
the mountain by means of 2 tunnels. 

About 3| m. from the Great Falls a road leads arounc 
hills. Before reaching the falls the scenery becomes exc 
ingly picturesque. The river is divided into two channel 
Cupid's Bower and Bear islands, the latter the upper, 
the falls the river again forms into two channels, by C( 
and Great Falls islands, the former the upper, and cor 
ing the Maryland and Virginia channels. Across the fc 
is a dam of solid masonry, with gate-house and gates, 
dam, should there be occasion, will be extended to thej 
ginia side. The Government owns the water-right, hai*" 
a. of ground. The dam is faced with massive guards of 
The total water supply of the river is 1,196,019,511 
24 hrs. At this point the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal 
ried over the Aqueduct. 

At the Great Falls the Potomac breaks through the 
tain in a channel narrowing to 100 yds. in width, and 
ed on the Virginia side by perpendicular rocks 70 ft. 
The water falls over a series of cascades, making a del 
of 80 ft. in 1 J m., the greatest single pitch being 40 ft. 
distance of 4 m. it widens, and its agitated waters quiet^ 
an mibroken current. About 10 m. below, at the Little . 



AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 219 

aboat 3 m. above Georgetown, the stream makes a descent of 
37 ft. in a series of cascades. Keleasecl from the moimtains, 
after passing Georgetown, the river widens into the lake-like 
stream which we have seen in front of Washington. 

The best view of the Falls is from tlie Virginia side, the 
ledges and rngged bonlders appearing to better advantage. 
Mingling witli the wild aspect of natnre is the cedar, oak, 
willow, birch, and jessamine. Wild cherries and strawber- 
ries in season are found in great abundance. The most ven- 
omous reptiles abound. The scene in winter is enchanting, 
great masses of ice piled up on eitlier side, and the rocks and 
trees frosted with spraj^, forming a charming surrounding for 
the boilino- torrent in the channel. 





THE GEE4T FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 

Experimental surveys for the supply of the city with water 
were made by Major L'Enfant, under the direction of Presi- 
dent Washington. In 1850 surveys were made by Col. Hughes 
from the Great Falls and Rock creek. The first ground on 
the Wasliington Aqueduct was broken by President Piei-ce on 
Nov. 8, 1853, in the presence of a large assemblage of oflScials 



220 



COLUMBIAN UNIVERSITY. 



and civilians. The length of pipe line is 18 m. ; numbc 
culverts, 26 m. ; tunnels 12, the longest 1,438 ft., total, ' 
ft. ; bridges 6, viz, cut stone 4, and iron trusses 2. In Gee 
town is a high-service reservoir 120 ft. in diameter. The' 
was commenced by Capt. M. C. Meigs, U. S. Corps of 
gineers, and cost $3,500,000. The aqueduct is the thii 
rank in the United States. 



Kalorama lies NW. of Washington on the r., after lea^ 
the P-st. bridge across Rock creek. On the brow of the !" 
about 5 min. walk, is a small brick vault belonging tol 
Kalorama estate, in which are the remains of Henry Baldi 
of Pennsylvania, an associate justice of the Supreme C^ 
of the United States, died 1844 ; Abraham Baldwin, a sei 
from Georgia, died 1807; and George Bomford, Coloa€ 
the U. S. Ordnance Corps, died 1848 ; the body of Com! 
dore Decatur was also placed here. 

Meridian Hill lies outside the Boundary, N". of the Presi- 
dent's House. It was formerly the residence of Commodore 
Porter. It is now the site of a village of the same name. 

Columbian University, N". of the city, 5 min. walk from t\ 
end of 14th st. W., on the 1., reached by horse cars^ waaj" 
corporated as a college in 1821, and went into operatic 
1822. In 1873 it was created a University. There is 
preparatory scliool. The Medical Department was orgai 
in 1824, and the following j^ear lectures were comment 
The medical building in the city, on H st., near 14th W., 
the gift of W. W. Corcoran. The Law Department was; 
tablished in 1826. It is one of the finest in the country, 
building is on 5th st. W., between D and E sts. N. The 
versity is under the government of a board of trustees 
overseers, the President of tlie United States and the 
Justice of the Supreme Court being honorary members of 1 
board. The regular course of American universities, 
cal and scientific, is taught. Tlie number in all the dei 
ments averages 300 students, from all parts of the Un! 
States. The property of the institution consists of 40 a^ 
ground, a college edifice, a preparatory school, and residei 
for the president and instructors ; total value, $400,000. 
Corcoran has pledged the Trinidad farm, 150 a., on the 
boundary, valued at $250,000, if $100,000 additional be ra 
$50,000 of the amount has been collected. 

Wayland Seminary, for the education of colored miniate 
, — - - - - - - - rphe 



stands SW. of Columbian College. 



building is beii 



221 

erected by the Baptist Home Missionary Society. When com- 
pleted it will aftbrd fine accommodations for the purposes in 
view. 

Howard University {open to visitors every day^ except Sun- 
day) occupies a conspicuous site on the r. of the 7th-st. road, 
a short distance N. of the city. It was incorporated in 1867, 
for tlie education of youth, without reference to sex or color, 
though the pupils are almost exclusively of the black race. 
The University Buildi7ig^ facing tlie city, is the most promi- 
nent, it is 4 stories high, and contains philosophical, lecture 
and recitation rooms, library, museum, and offices. On the 
NE. is Miner Hall,, so named after Miss Miner, a lady who 
taught colored cliildren during the days of slavery in the Dis- 
trict. This lad)^ accumulated about $5,000 before her death, 
which she invested in ground in tlie city of Washington. 
This has since realized about $40,000, and now constitutes,^ 
fund in the hands of a board of trustees, the interest of whicli 
at present is paid over to the Normal Department of the 
University. In Mner Hall are the ladies' dormitory and 
university dining-rooms. At each end are residences for 
professors. The Normal Building stands IST. of Miner Hall, 
and is used for the normal classes and chapel services. To 
the ]Sr. of the main building is Clarke Hall^ named after 
David Clarke, of Hartford, Conn., a gentlemen of large be- 
nevolence, and a liberal friend to the University. These 
halls have accommodations for 300 students. Tliere are also 
residences for instructors. The grounds comprise 35 a. The 
value of property is about $600,000. About 1,000 ft. S. of 
the main building is the Medical Department and Freed- 
men's Hospital. The latter is rented and supported by the 
War Department. In the N^E. part of the grounds is the 
Government Spring, which supplies the Capitol building and 
grounds. 

Soldiers' Home, (grounds operi everyday, except Sunday,) lies 
about 3 m. N. of the Capitol. It is one of the most attractive 
drives around the city. It may be reached by pedestrians 
from the "toll-gate" on the 7th-st. road, which point is ac- 
cessible by the 7th-st. and Silver Spring horse cars- the latter 
being a continuation of the former, tliough a separate line. 

When in possession of the City of Mexico, the place having 
been taken by storm, $300,000, in lieu of pillage money, A^ere 
levied by General Scott. Some of this went'to liospitals for 
troops in Mexico, and extra issues of clothing. The balance, 
$118,791, was placed in the Treasury of the United States, 
and through the efforts of General Scott was, in 1851, assigned 



222 



GRAVE OF MAJOR l'ENFANT. 



by Congress to the foimdingof a Military Asylum, subseqi 
ly more appropriately designated the Soldiers' Home, 
fund was increased by turning into it all forfeitures, 
pages, and fines adjudged against soldiers, and a tax of 
cents, now 12 cents, a month on each private soldier of 
regular army. The Home was for the benefit of the re< 
and volunteers who served in Mexico, and now for the pr: 
of the regular army, they alone contributing for its suppc 
Pensioners surrender their pensions while at the Home, 
original site consisted of the Riggs tract, about 200 a., 
homestead. It has since been extended by purchj 
eluding Hare wood, the seat of W. W. Corcoran. The 
now possesses about 500 a., aiTd is charmingly laid oi 
drives, of which there are 7 m., lakes, lawns, gardens, 
meadows. The buildings are also very fine. The main 
used as a dormitory, is of marble, Norman in design, 
measures 200 ft. front. In the rear is a wing of 60 ft., us 
for a mess room. On the lawn are a flag-staff and caunc 
On the E. of the main building is an aclditional dormitoi 
the stables, conservatory, and' fruit garden. On the W. 
the Riggs homestead, now tlie hospital, and near by, on 
line running N. and S., are the quarters of the governor ai 
ofiicers of the institution. S. of. this is the surgeon's r* 
dence. SE. of the main building is a beautiful Seneca st< 
chapel, finished in 1871, and gardener's lodge, and S. is 
pedestal upon which a heroic statue, 10 ft. high, of Genei 
Scott, the father of the institution, by Launt Thompson, 
be erected early in the present year. From this point 
be had one of the finest views of the capital. In the distanc 
S. is the new hospital, a commodious brick structure, and 
buildings close by are used by the farmer. The Home 
first opened in 1851. and has accommodations for 400 inmate 
Tlie soldiers keep the roads in order and perform police 
There are representatives of the war of 1812, the Mexic 
and the Indian wars, and Rebellion. The Home was 
favorite summer residence of Presidents Pierce, Buchanai 
and Lincoln, Secretaries Floyd, Jeff. Davis, Stanton, 
Schofield have also resided here during the summer mc 

Grave of Major Peter Charles L' Enfant, the designer of 
plan of Washington, at Green Hill, the country seat 
George W. Riggs, on the early manor of Chillam d 
now Prince George's county, Maryland, is about 7 m. 
of Washington. The grave is in tlie garden, near the he 
in which was the burial-ground of the Digges family, 
previous proprietors of the estate. The remains of the latt 
have been removed. The grave is without a marked stoi 



ROCK-CREEK CHURCH. 223 

Major L'Enfant was bom in France about 1755. He was a 
subordinate officer in the French service. In 1778 he was 
made a captain of engineers in the Continental array. His 
gallantry and ability, displayed especially at Savannah, at- 
tracted the attention of Washington. In 1783 he was pro- 
moted to major. In March, 179L, he was ordered to George- 
town to join Mr. Ellicott, tlie chief surveyor, with instructions 
''to draw the site of the federal town and buildings." Xot 
sharing in the practical views of the commissioners, who 
desired copies of his plan for circulation, as an inducement 
to purcliasers of lots, a controvei-sj^ sprung up, which was 
aggravated bj^ some high-handed measures, chiefly an attempt 
to demolish the residence of Mr. Carroll, one of tlie commis- 
sioners, which interfered with the execution of his plan on 
the ground. These resulted in his dismissal, after a brief 
service of one year. In 17vj4 he was employtMl on Fort Mif- 
flin, below Philadelphia. It is said he Masotfei-ed, in 1812, 
a professorship of engineers at West Point. The last days 
of his life were spentaround Washington. He found a home 
on the farm of Mr. Digges, and died in the summer of 1825, 
at the advanced age of 70 years. His remains still moulder 
beiieath the sod where tlie kind hand of charitj^ laid them. 

Eock-Oreek Ohuroli and Cemetery.— (C/mrc/i services^ Fjns- 
copal,, every Sabbath at 11 a. ?«., and Cemetery open every day^ 
cxcrpt Sunday.) — The cemetery lies contiguous to the Sol- 
diiM's' Home on the X., and is easy of access from the horse 
cars on the 7th-st. road. It comprises about one-half of the 
glebe, 100 a., the gift of John Bradford, about 1719. The 
church, which lies on the W., properly St. Punl's Episcopal 
Cliurch, Ilock-creek Parish, was erected in 1719, rebuilt in 
1775, and remodeled in 18G8. The bricks were imported from 
England. The main walls are the same as erected in 1719. 
The bible used is an Oxford edition of 1727. Immediately 
around the church are a numl^er of old graves, marked by 
rude; stones, and over them stands a venerable oak, the out- 
spreading branches of which cover an area of 126 ft. in diam- 
eter. Tlte oldest monuments are E. of the church, of the 
Gramphin family, 1775. In this cemetery is tlie grave of Pe- 
ter Force, with a fine monument. 

National Military Cemetery, [open from sunrise to sunset,) 
lies X. of and adjoins the Soldiers' Home, aiid E. of Kock- 
Creek Cemetery. It was established in 18G1, and contains 
5,424 interments : known 5145, unknown 279, and Confeder- 
ates 271. There are a fine keeper's lodge and conservatory. 
Adjoining, on the X., is the Cemetery of the Soldiers' Home. 



224 



BLADENSBURG. 



Glenwood Cemetery, [open every day^ except Sunday^)' 
m. N. of the Capitol, is situated at the head of Lincohi avj 
and may be reached from the Columbia st.-railway at N. Caj 
tol St., distance 1 m., or froin the Soldiers' Home 1^ m. Tl 
cemeterj^ was incorporated in 1854, and contains 90 a. 
grounds are beautifully laid out in drives and walks, 
public vault is a line structure. Joseph Harbaugh, a descent 
ant of contractor eiliployed by the city commissioners, 17J 
and Amos Kendall, Postmaster General 1835 '40, are buric 
here. Outside the gateway are Prospect Hill Cemetery., 17 a* 
incorporated in 1860, and St. Mary''s (Roman Catholic Chi 
Burying Ground., 3 a. 

Bladensbnrg, a post-village of Prince George's co., 
lies 6 m. NE. of Washington, on the Baltimore railroad! 
on the Baltimore turnpike. The Anacostia flows by thatj 
lage. It was founded about 1750, and named after M 
Blanden, one of the I^ords' Commissioners of Trade 
Plantations. Before the Revolution it was a place of 
commercial and agricultural importance. In those dayf| 
Anacostia admitted of successful navigation to the 
Over the stream was the bridge, and W. the field of the! 
astrous battle of August 24, 1814, which opened Washin| 
to the enemy, and gave the name of Bladensburg a pi 
history. On the hill stood the artillery, and on the 
ground was the spot bravely defended by Commodore 
ney and his gallant soldiers and marines. 

About 1 m. from the vilhxge, on the turnpike on tl 
crossing a small stream and ravine, and enclosed by two ' 
that on" the E. concealing it from the turnpike, is a secli 
spot, rendered notorious as the "duelling ground." 
District line runs through the valley, thus enabling i)ai 
from the District and Virginia to pass into Maryland, 
most painful of all duels fought here was that between ' 
modores Decatur, the hero of the Algerine war, and Bs 
in 1820. "I hope," said Barron, ''that we shall be 
friends in the next world than in this." "Sir," said 
tur, coolly, "I have never been your enemy." When 
were writhing in agony, Barron gasped, "Would to God 
had known this yesterday." Decatur's wound was mc 
Many other duels were fought here, but not of late 
The duel between Henry Clay and John Randolph of Re 
oke, in 1826, took place on the Virginia shore of the Potoi 
river, near Washington. 

Near Bladensburg, a short distance from the turnpike,' 
stood the family mansion of George Calvert, the lineal des-j 
cendant of the Baron of Baltimore. 



DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. 225 

Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and National 
Deaf- Mute Ooilega, {open evenj day, except Sunday,) NE. i.i 
the city, entrance to grounds at N. end of 7tli st. E., is con- 
veniently accessible from tlie Columbia horse railroad. The 
gromids of the institution comprise the estate known as " Ken- 
dall Green," previously the property and home of Amos Ken- 
dall, Postmaster General of the United States 1835-'40. The 
first portion occupied comprised bat a few acres and a small 
building, presented to the institution by Mr. Kendall. Sub- 
sequently, 25 acres were j^urchased, and in 1872 the entire 
estate of 100 acres. The grounds and buildings were vested 
in the United States as trustee. 

The institution was incorporated in the year 1857, and has 
since been sustained by Congress as the institution where 
Government beneficiaries, viz, deaf-mute children of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, and of the army and navy, should receive 
free education. A collegiate department was organized in 
1864 by Congress, and is named the N'ational Deaf-Mute Col- 
lege. Both are open to both sexes. 

The main central building, dedicated in 1871, was the gift 
of the Government. It is a fine specimen of the pointed 
Gothic architecture of the 14th century. It is 216 by 76 ft., 
and is faced on all sides with Connecticut brown-stone, in- 
terspersed with courses of white Ohio sandstone, and cov- 
ered with roofs of red and blue slate, laid in patterns and 
com-ses. 

The main entrance is under a recessed porch, formed by 
three pointed arches of alternate brown and white sandstone 
blocks, supported by double sets of dwarf columns of highly 
polished Scotch granite, with brown-stone bases and carved 
white sandstone capitals. This porch is paved with white 
and black marble tiles, and surmounted by an angular pedi- 
ment containing a carved half-relief figure of the Ameri- 
can eagle, with the stars and stripes on the shield over its 
breast. 

From this porch leads a small vestibule at either end into 
the main hall, or chapel, a room 56 ft. square and 38 ft. high, 
with a paneled ceiling of light and dark colored w^ood, with 
massive brackets, cornice, and panel mouldings, the walls be- 
ing frescoed in delicate tints in plain panels. The walls, to 
about 8 ft. from the floor, are protected by a paneled w^ain- 
scot, painted in strong party colors, with the pulpit, platform, 
and front, and folding-doors to match. The room is lighted 
by ten large stained-glass windows. 

Adjoining on the E., and separated from the chapel by 
eight sliding doors 15 ft. high and 27 ft. wide, is the lecture 
room. Over the sliding doors is a solid white sandstone arch 
15 



226 



MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY. 



of 27 ft. span, sprino-iiio- from li<jlit stone colnnins with cai*vecJ 
capitals. The lecti(T-e room is about 30 hy 40 ft. in size, with 
a raised floor. 

The remainder of the E. ^viiig on this floor is occupied by 
a large dining-hall, or refectory, for the pupils of the primary 
department, with its corridors and stairs ; and with Idtchens, 
bakery, and store-rooms in the basement below, and large 
dormitories in the attic above. 

The W. wing contains a large dining-hall for the students 
of the college, with its pantries and store-rooms. In the hall 
of this wing a stairway aff'ords access to the tower. In the 
basement under this wing is an extensive laundry, steam- 
drying rooms, and store-rooras, while the basement under 
the chapel contains the fuel and boiler rooms. 

In the chapel is a fine plaster cast of Abbe de TEp^e, taken 
from his tomb in the old church of Saint Koch, Paris ; also 
one of Abbe Sicard. The former, about the year 1760, de- 
veloped and applied the system of communication for deaf 
mutes by means of natural signs. Abb^ Sicard subsequently 
perfected tlie system. There is also a portrait of the Rev,, 
Thomas H. Gallaudet, fonnerly principal of the Araericaxi^ 
Asylum at Hartford, Connecticut. That gentleman was i 
abroad to acquire the system of instmction by natural si<^ 
He chose the French system, now in use by the Institnti 
and College, and also generally throughout the United StatesJ 
The E. building is occupied by the primary department, 
and contains several school rooms, cha,pel, library, reception 
parlor, private rooms of instnictors, and dormitory for boys, , 
and another i;i a remote part of the building for girls. The 
W. building is used by the College. In the rear and W. of 
the main central building is the finished wing of a dormit 
for College students. The value of the property is $350, 

Mount Olivet Cemetery {open every day) lies on the 
the Columbia turnpike, f m. I!^. of the E. terminus of 
Columbia liorse railway. It comprises 70 a. It was in^ 
porated in 18G2, in the names of the parish priests of 
four Eoman CathoHc churches of Washington. The grounl 
are well laid out, and shaded with oak and evergreens.. 
Father Matthews, one of tlie earliest priests who arrived in 
the city after its occupation by the Government, is buried 
here, also Lieut. Col. Garesche, A. A. G. to General Eose- 
cranz, killed at Murfreesboro, 18G2 ; Mrs. Surratt, executed 
for complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln ; and 
Wirz, the keeper of the Andersonville prison pen for na- 
tional soldiers during the rebellion, 18Gl-'65, and executed 
in Washington at its close. The entrance to the cemetery 



GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 227 

is at the SE. corner on the Columbia turnpike, where there 
is a neat superintendent's residence. 

Graceland Gemeterj{openJrom sunrise to sunset) is situated 
immediatelj^ outside the E. limits of the city, at the terminus 
of the Columbia ho7^se Qmihoay. The cemetery was opened 
in 1872, and comprises about 40 a. 

Eeform School of the District of Columbia occupies a com- 
manding site on the S. side of the Washington and Baltimore 
turnpike, 2 m. fi'om the E. terminus of the Columbia liorse 
raihcay. The school, which is for boys only, was established 
hy Congress in 186(3, and is under the supervision of the 
Department of Justice. It was first located on the Govern- 
ment farm, on the Aqueduct road, 4 m. above Georgetown, 
but owing to the unhealthiness of that section was, in 1871, 
removed to its present situation. The farm comi)rises 150 a. 
The buildings stand on Lincoln's Hill, so-called from the 
fort of that name in the defenses of Washington during the 
rebellion, and which crowned the hill. They are 230 ft. 
above the Anacostia, which runs in the rear, and command 
a view of four railroads, portions of Washington, the ISTational 
Insane Asylum, the Soldiers' Home, Bladensburg, the Mary- 
land State Agricultural School, and a vast sweep of country 
into Maryland and Virginia. 

The main building is occupied by the superintendent, 
boys' dining room, chapel, library, and reflecting room. The 
reception room for strangers is on the 1. of the main entrance. 
On either side of the main building are two detached wings, 
occupied by the assistants, and as school and dormitories. 
The boys divide their time in the school and shops- The 
boys are kept till i-eformed or their majority. The buildings 
and gTounds will be greatly improved. 

Zoological Society was incorporated in 1S70, with authority 
to import animals free of duty, and glinting the free use of 
water from the Aqueduct. The site secured for the purpose 
comprises 20 a., lies about \ m. SE. of the E. terminus of 
the Columbia horse railway^ and extends to the Anacostia. 
On tlie ground is Gibson's spring, which will be converted 
into fisli ponds. During the rebellion, 1861-''65, a pipe from 
this spring supplied the cavalry and infantry camps estab- 
lished ill the adjacent valley and on the neighboring hills. 

Government Hospital for the Insane, {visiting days, Wednes- 
days, from 2 to Q p. m.) This institution, on the S. bank of 



228 



ALEXANDRIA. 



the Anacostia, is accessible from the Kavy-yard termirrtsst ( 
the Peiiiwylvania av. street cars, across the bridge at the ft 
of 11th St. iE., and by the high road ascending the hill towai 
the r., which passes the gate. Tlie village at the S. end 
the bridge is known as '"Uiiiontown. The distance from 
horse cars to the Asylum is about 2 m. The institution | 
for the use of the army and navy and District of ColumbI 
and embraces indigent and independent patients. Tiie ge^ 
eral supervision is under the Secretary of the Interior, 
it is supported by the National Government. The hoi 
tract, 185 a., is inclosed by a wall 9 ft. high. Subseque 
additions, however, have increased the estate to 419 a., wl 
is cultivated for the benefit of the institution, and which ^ 
nishes occupation for many of the patients. The commodic 
structure is of brick, occupies the crest of the range of hi 
overlooking the mouth of the Anacostia, and consists of' 
centre, with connecting ranges and receding wings, 
buttresses, iron window hoods, and an embattled paraj 
The centre is four stories, and the wings three and 
stories. The building is 750 ft. long. There are accorai 
dations for 550 patients, though the number generally 
ceeds 600. The W. wing is devoted to males and the E. 
females. The centre contains the residence of the supei 
tenclent and staff oflScers, dispensary, and chapel. Th€ 
are six billiard tables for patients. In tlie basement are 
kitchen, store-rooms, &c. There are two buildings in 
rear for colored patients; also gas works, machine shoj 
barn, and stables. The institution was opened in 181 
Prior to that time the insane under the care of the GrOvei 
ment were sent to Baltimore. 

Alexandria.-^This city, originally called Bellhaven, stai 
in Virginia, on the r. bank of the Potomac river, at the 
fluence of that stream and Hunting Creek, 7 m. S. of Ws 
mgton. The boats of the Washington and Alexandria fei 
from the foot of 7th street W., reached by horse cars^ 
every hour from 6 a. m. to 7 p. m., on Sunday from 9 a. 
Single fare 15 cts., round trip 25 cts. The steam cars lea^ 
at the same intervals from 6 a. m. to 8 p. m. from the dej 
on 6th St., S. of Pennsylvania av. The city is picturesque 
situated on the side of a range of low hills, and is surroum" 
by a fertile and well-cultivated country. The town 
founded in 1748. In 1755 five colonial governors met here; 
connection with Braddock's expedition, which started hei 
In the early colonial days it was the rival of Baltimore 
commerce, but superior advantages and other facilities 
tractive of ti*ade soon advanced the metropolis of Maryl 



ALEXANDRIA. 229 

beyond the successful rivalry of the quaint Vu'ginia town on 
the Potomac. 

During the Revolution it was a point of great strategic im- 
portance. The British General Gage, in 1776, from Pitts- 
burg, in co-operation with Earl Dunmore's fleet from the 
sea, planned an attack on the town, designing, by holding 
this position, to cut off communication between the jST. and 
S. armies. The expedition, however, was not carried out. 
Washington always took a great interest in the welfare of 
the place. Among other evidences of this affection he be- 
queathed .£1,000 for the benefit of a free school here. 

During the invasion of the British, on Aug. 28, 1814, after 
Fort Warburton, (Washington,) below, had been blown up 
and abandoned without firing a gun, the town surrendered to 
the British squadron. Five days after the enemy's vessels 
left with 16,000 bbls. of flom-, 1,000 hhds. of tobacco, and 
other property, including 3 ships and some river craft. 

The city and county were included in the original survey 
of the District of Columbia, but in 1846, with all that part 
on the W. side of the Potomac, was retroceded to Virginia. 

About 1 m. SE. of the city, on the point of a small pen- 
insula formed by the junction of Hunting creek and the 
Potomac, is the initial point oi the original boundaries of the 
District of Columbia. 

In the court of the Mansion House, on Fairfax st., is an old 
structure known as WasJmigtoti''s Headquarters^ having been 
occupied, it is said, by the General when in Alexandria. At 
the intersection of Washington and Cameron sts. is Christ 
Episcopal Church., commenced in 1765 and finished in 1773, 
built of bricks imported from England. The interior has 
been renovated of late years ; thougli some of the wood-work 
about the chancel is old. The principal interest is associated 
with the fact that Washington was a member of the vestry of 
this church. His pew was ISTo. 59, on the 1. of the 1. aisle. A 
little back is pew jN'o. 46, used by Robert E. Lee, General of 
the Confederate forces, who came here from Arlington to 
worship. Marble tablets on the 1. and r. of the chancel have 
been placed in the walls to their memory. In the church- 
yard the oldest tombstone is 1771. The city hall, market- 
house, and masonic hall occupy a fine building. Xear the 
city is a National Cemetery., which contains the remains of 
3,635 soldiers of the rebellion. 

A branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal connects the 
city with Georgetown. The river in front is 1 m. wide. The 
shipping of the place amounts to about 182 vessels; sail, 
steam, and unrigged, 8,210 tons. The principal exports are 
tobacco, corn, and coal. It also has railroad communication 



230 



MOUNT VERNON. 



with the N. and S. A new Une, to connect with the Bait 
more and Ohio Kailroad at Bladensburg, is now being buO 
and will cross the Potomac at this point. The population 
13,570. 

Mount Vemon, steamer daihj^ except Sunday^ at 10 a. 
from the foot of 7th st. W., res 
hj horse-cars, fare $1.50romid 
to include admission to the groi 
Distance, 15 m. Return 4 p. mj 

Leaving the wharf, the boat 
close to the shore, and along 
Arsenal grounds, at the foot 
which the Anacostia enters the 
tomac. The village on the r. 
Uniontowii, and on the hill is 
National Insane Asylum. On 
1. is the ^SLVj Yard. On the 
point of the river is Giesboro' . Di 
ing the rebellion a large number 
cavalry horses were kept here fc 
the supply of the army. Duringj 
stampede on one occasion over IC 
were drowned in the river. Tl 
steamer now directs her course 
wards Alexandria, 6 m. below 
ter leaving Alexandria, the steamei 
passes Jones's point on the r. 
lighthouse stands on the point 
the location of the initial stone of 1 
THE MANSION. boundarlcs of the District, plant 

in 1791. The lines extend NE. and NW. Hunting ci 
here enters the Potomac. The steamer next touches 
Fort Foote, an earthwork on the Maryland shore. Bi 
creek enters below. The next landing is at Fort Washini 
on the same side. This is an old work, moimting guns 
casemate and barbette. On the high ground opposite tl 
first view of the home of Washington may be had. Tl 
road from the wharf leads to the vault within which is 
marble sarcophagus containing the remains of General Get 
Washington. By the side is another with the simple ins 
tion, Martha, the consort of Washington, who died May \i-i,j 
1801, aged 71 years. Tlie obelisk oii the r. approaching is to 
Bushrod Washington, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 
of tlie United States, a nephew of General Washington, andj 
to whom Mount Vernon was bequeathed, died 1829. That 
on the 1. is to John Augustine Washington, to whom Mount 




MOTJNT VERNON. 



231 



Vernon M'as bequeathed by Judge Bushrod Washingtmi, died 
1832. Tlie patii to the r. leads towards the mansion. On 
tlie 1. is the vault in which the remains of Washington were 
first placed. 

'J'hc Mansion fronts i*f ^V., the rear looking toward the river. 
It is of wood, cut in imitation of stone, and 96 ft. in length, 
surmounted hy a cupola. The centre was built by Lawrence 
Wasliington, brother to tlie General; the wings were added 
by the General. It is named after Admiral Vernon, in whose 
expedition Lawrence Washington served. The house and 
"grounds, 6 a., as far as practicable, are as left by Washing- 
ton. 

Tiie Mount Vernon Ladies'' Association of the Union^ incor- 
porated in 1850, purchased the mansion and contiguous 
grounds. In the hall is tlie key to 
the Bastile, presented to Washing- 
ton by Lafayette after the destruc- 
tion of that French prison, 1789. 
In the E. parlor are interesting 
relics of "Washington — a dress, 
sword, spy-glass, water buckets, 
tripod. In the dining hall are 
portraits of Washington in 1786, a 
copy from Trumbull, and a copy 
from Stuart, 1795. The mantel 
was carved in Italy and presented. 
In this room is the great painting 
of Washinr/t^n before Torktown^ by 
Rembrandt Peale. He is repre- 
sented as accompanied by Generals 
Lafayette, Hamilton, Knox, Lin- 
coln, and Rocliambeau, and giving 
orders to commence the enti-ench- 
ments before Yorktown. In the 
W. parlor is an old painting repre- 
senting the attack on Carthagena, 
Admiral Vernon commanding, 
1741, and Washington's holsters 
and camp equipage, also a globe. 
In the second stort/, at the head of 
the stairs, is Lafayette'^s room. The room in which Wash- 
ington died^ December 14, 1799, is at the S. end of the build- 
ing on this floor. It is a small apartment. The bed is that 
on which he rested. There is a fine view of the surround- 
ing country from the cupola. On the r. of the mansion 
facing the lawn are the servants' hall, gardener's lodge, a 
modern building, and the spinning and weaving house. On 




GRAVE Oy WASHINGTON. 



232 



DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 



the same side is the garden laid out by Washington. Oni 
X. side are conservatories which replaced the old ones 
sunied by fire. The ruins of the old servants' quarters 
near by. On the opposite side of the lawn are the fai 
kitchen, butler's house, smoke house, and laundrj^, and^ 
the rear of all the stables. On the lawn are several ash 
and a magnolia tree planted by Washington. 

Defenses of Washington. — The inauguration of actual ho^iJ 
tilities by the bombardment of Fort Sumter, April 12, 
1861, warned the National Government of the necessit 
measures of protection. One of the first thoughts was 
security of the Nation's Capital. The hastily-improvised ] 
defensive preparations, after some squeamish hesitation al 
invading a State, were seconded by occupying the S. shoi 
the Potomac, and holding the debouches into Virginia, 
was necessitated by the proximity of Arlington Heights, fr 
which the enemy's artillery could shell the city. Oii the ni| 
of May 23, 1861, the army, in three columns, crossed 
Potomac, one, under Major Wood, by the Georgetown Aque- 
(1 ict; another, under Major (General) Heintzelman, by 
Long Bridge ; and the third, iinder Colonel Ellsworth,^ 
water to Alexandria. Fort Corcomn, a tete-de-pont, 
commenced before daylight, and, with its auxiliary works^ 
Forts Bennett and Haggerty and rifle trenches, around the 
head of the Aqueduct, Forts Runj^on, on the lowland — a tete- 
de-pont — and Albany, on Arlington Heights, covering our 
debouches from the Long Bridge, and Fort Ellswortli, on 
Shi iter's Hill, back of Alexandria, formed tlie basis of the 
line S. of the Potomac. By the time of the advance of 
McDowell's army, seven weeks, these works were nearly 
completed. 

The Bull Run disaster made it apparent that a proti-acted 
war was inevitable. The Heights of Arlington were ellect- 
Ivelj^ fortified by intermediate works, and, with Fort Ruii- 
yon, formed a '•'- couroime^^"* covering the bridge and heights. 
These works were preliminary and auxiliary to that line of 
impregnable fortifications which later encircled the Capital. 
Tlie system of works, constituting and appropriately^ desig- 
nated the Defenses of Washington^ were divided into four 
groups. 1. Those S. of the Potomac^ commencing with Fort 
Lyon, below Alexandria, and terminating with Fort De- 
Kalb, (Strong,) opposite Georgetown. 2. Those of the Chain 
Bridge. 3. Those N. of the I'ofomac, between tliat river 
and the Anacostia, commencing with Fort Sumner and ter- 
minating with Fort Lincoln. 4. Those S. of the Anacostia, 
commencing with Fort JVIahan and terminating with Fort 



DEFENSES OP WASHINGTON. 233 

Greble, nearlj^ opposite Alexandria. The perimeter, from 
Fort Lyon to Fort Greble, was 33 m., and, including the in- 
terval across the Potomac, between Greble and I-iyon, a total 
of 37 m. At the close of hostilities, in April, 18G5, the De- 
fenses consisted of 68 inclosed forts and batteries and em- 
placements, for 1,120 guns, 807 of which, and 98 mortals, 
were actually mounted : 93 unarmed batteries for field guns, 
having 401 emplacements, and 20 m. of rifle-trenches, and 3 
block houses. There were also 32 m. of specially-constructed 
military roads. 

In 1864 the garrisons S. of the Potomac consisted of one 
division, under General DeKussy, four brigades, under 
Colonels Tidball, Tannatt, Abbott, and Schirmer — 11,011 
men ; N. of the Potomac, one division, under Lieutenant 
Colonel Haskin, aid-de-camp, with three brigades, under 
Colonels Morris, Gibson, and Piper — 18,863 men. To pre- 
vent a sudden dash, the minor roads were obstructed by 
abattis and stockades. The fords of the Potomac above and 
the S. fiont were piclvcted with cavalry. An infantry di^is- 
ion lay towards Bull Run, and infantry pickets were stationed 
on the X. front. A provost guard of 1,776 men, under General 
Martindale, were on duty "in Washington, and 1,090 men, 
under General Slough, in Alexandria. At the artillery depot 
at Camp Barry were 2,000 men and 17 batteries. 

The garrisons varied in numbers, yet the over-sensitiveness 
of the Government, respecting the safety of the Capital, con- 
stantly required the presence of a large force. The exigen- 
cies of the service in the field, however, on several occasions 
necessitated a reduction. 

The efforts of Gen. Grant, in 1864, to overwhelm Lee had 
caused the withdrawal of the well-trained artillerists, and 
their places were filled by new levies. As an oflset to the 
vigorous movements of the Army of the Potomac, Early 
made his demonstration upon Washington. A brisk engage- 
ment took place at Rockville, 16 m. from Washington. On 
July 11, with 20,000 men, he appeared before Fort Stevens, 
on the 7th-st. road. The pickets retired, and the guns of 
Fort Stevens, Slocum, and DeRussy opened and checked the 
enemy, Avho retired the following night. 

The ruins of the now dismantled and deserted Defenses of 
Washington may yet be seen on almost every eminence in 
the vicinity of the city. During their use they accomplished 
an important work. They saved the nation from further ca- 
lamities after Bull Run, when the enemy was in sight on 
Munson Hill, and from attack after the failures of McClel- 
lan's campaign against Richmond, and the retreat of Pope, 
in 1862. It is to be hoped the hand of fi'atricidal strife may 
never again revive the sad work. 



SECTION VI. 

HISTORIC OF WASHINGTON. 




'%/.:<^^^HE first attempt to explore the Chesapeake anJ 
^^^i^^^^^ its tributaries was made in 1608, by Captain Johr 
Smith, from the Jamestown settlement. He 
interesting narrative of his discoveries. He sj 
of the ''Patawomeke " as 6 or 7 m. in breadth,! 
navigable 140 m. The Indian name was Cohoi^ 
roton, or river of swans. The shores of the great bay^ 
river had a large aboriginal population, not less than 
tribes, members of the numerous and warlike Algoiii^ 
family, who lived by fishing, the cultivation of maize, 
warring upon their neighbors. The point of the ton£ 
land now occupied by tlie Arsenal was the seat of the coi 
fire. The Manahoacks occupied the lands between the rit 
but about 1660, after a severe war with the Powhatans, 
overcome, and fled to the West, where they joined the 
caroras. 

In 1634, Henry Fleet, with a party of Calvert's settlei 
ited the falls of the Potomac. In 1663, a tract of land 
called Koom, (Kome,) was laid out for Francis Pope, gel 
man, on the east side of tlie Anacostian river, and to' 
mouth of the Tiber. Another tract, of 500 a., for Cai 
Robert Troop, called Scotland Yard, was laid out adjoii 
on the same date. The lands of the western portion of^ 
city, called "The Widow's Mite," 600 a., were laid oi' 
1681 for William Langworth. All were in Charles coi 
province of Maryland. 

In 1790-'91, Daniel Carroll owned the lands on the 
costia, JSTotley Young, in the forks of the river and to*' 
northward, and David Burns on the west, towards Ge( 
town. On the bank of the river, east of the Observat 
was a settlement called Hamburg, previously Funkst 
On the Anacostia, a short distance above the Arsenal, 
CarroUsburg. The arable lands were tilled, and prodt 
wheat, tobacco, and maize. 

On April 30, 1783, nineteen days after the proclamat 
(234) 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 235 

a cessation of hostilities between the late British Colonies in 
North America and the mother country, the subject of a per- 
manent capital for the general government of the United 
States of America was incidentally alluded to in Congress. 
In March, 1783, the legislature of New York offered to cede 
the town of Kingston as a place of permanent meeting. 
Shortly after, Maryland tendered Annapolis for the same 
purpose ; also $180,000 if selected. 

A proposition by a prominent gentleman was the location 
of the capital, for a term of thirteen years, at some cf the 
growing western settlements, such as Detroit, Louisville, 
KaskasTda, St. Vincent's, and Sandusky; stating that "'an 
amazing value- would be added to that important territory ;" 
that it would ''•accelerate the rapidity of its settlement and 
poi)ulation," and at about twelve cents an acre would extin- 
guish the national debt; that Congress should assume plen- 
ary j urisdiction over a compass of twenty miles square ; sliould 
form a government ''on the most perfect plan of modern re- 
finement ; " in place of certificates, should award the lands in 
the vicinity "to those brave officers and men who served in 
the late glorious war. " These, Spartan-like, it was expected, 
would form "an impregnable bulwark against the natives," 
or any other dangers. Williamsburg, the old capital of Vir- 
ginia, was offered at the same time. 

On October 6, 1783, Congress voted upon the selection of 
a State, as they existed at that time, beginning with New 
Hampshire, and proceeding in order southward. New Jersey 
and Maryland received the highest number of votes, but no 
choice was made. The next day, on a resolution by Eldridge 
Gerry, the location of the "Federal City "was voted on or 
near the falls of the Delaware, near Trenton, and a commit- 
tee of five was appointed to examine the locality and report. 
On October 21 following, the erection of buildings was author- 
ized at or near the lower falls of the Potomac or Georgetown, 
and a committee was appointed to examine and report" on that 
site. Two localities were now provided for, and meanwhile 
Congress was to meet alternately at Trenton and Annapolis. 

The inconvenience of two capitals was soon demonstrated. 
The Delaware committee reported favorably, and that for the 
Potomac unfavorably on that location, though they thought 
better of a site above Georgetown, or 1| m. below, at Funks- 
town. On December 20, 1784, it was decided inexpedient to 
erect buildings at more than one place. On December 23 
three commissioners were appointed to lay out a district of 
not less than two nor more than 3 m. square, on either side 
of the Delaware, within 8 ra. above or below the falls. 

Commissioners. — 1791-'94, Thomas Johnson, Md.; 1791-'95, 



236 



HISTORY OF WASHINaTON. 



Daniel Carroll, Md. ; 1791-94, David Stuart, Va. ; 1794-1800, 
Gustavns Scott, Md. ; 1794-1802, William Tliorntoii, Penn. 
1795-1802, Alexander White, Md. ; 1800, WiUiam Crar ' 
Md. ; 1800-1802, Tristram Dalton, Md. 

The Constitution of the United States, 1787, gave Con^ 
the power "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases w! 
soever over such district, not exceeding 10 m. square, as maj 
by cession of particular States and the acceptance of 
gress, become tiie seat of the Government of tlie Ur 
States." * * * (Art. I, Sec. 8.) 

The first session of Congress of the United States of Amer-| 
ica, assembled under the Constitution, was called upon to' 
enter into this question, confronted by a stronger evidence of 
sectional spirit than had hitherto been exhibited. Eesolutioi 
from the legislatures of States, besides numerous petitif" 
and memorials, were presented, urging certain localities, 
frequently offering great inducements. Districts of 10 
square, witli the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction, were 
oftered to Congress for the seat of Government by acts of the 
General Assemblies of Maryland in December, 1788, Penn- 
sylvania in September, 1789, and Virginia in December, 1789. 
As an additional inducement, Virginia oftered $120,000, and 
Maryland $72,000. Pennsylvania, in her grant, excepted 
Philadelphia, the district of Southwark, and part of the 
Northern Liberties. Petitions were also received from the 
inhabitants of Trenton, in New Jersey ; Lancaster, Wright's 
Feny, York, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Eeading, and German- 
town, in Pennsylvania, and Baltimore and Georgetown, in 
Maryland. All expressed their willingness to come under the 
aegis of Congress and the Constitution, and pictured in glow- 
ing colors the advantages of climate and scenery, and conve- 
niences of access which their respective localities possessed. 
The newspapers of tlie day frequently took a humorous view 
of this patriotic comi3etition, and in prose and verse gave vent 
to considerable good-natured sentiment. 

In the second session the Capital question was again agi- 
tated, and Baltimore, Wilmington, the Delaware, German- 
town, between the Potomac and the Susquehanna, were all 
urged ; but tlie act establishing tlie temporary Seat of Govern- 
ment at Philadelphia, from the first Monday in December, 
1790, and the permanent on the river Potomac, between the 
mouths of the Eastern Branch (Anacostia) and Conogo- 
cheague, a tributary of the upper Potomac, to be ready for 
the sessions of Congress by the first Monday in December, 
1800, was finally passed, and approved by Washington July 
16, 1790. In the Senate it received 14 yeas and 12 nays, and 
m the House 32 yeas and 29 nays. The immediate settle- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 237 

ment was effected as a compromise with the advocates of a 
fiscal measure known as the assumption of the State debts. 
The majority of the votes of the Middle States going with 
the South, gave the majority for the Potomac. 

The Legislatin-e of Virginia, in December, 1790, appropri- 
ated the $120,000 previously otfered, payable in three annual 
installments. In December, 1791, the Legislature of Mary- 
land gave an order for the payment of the $72,000 donated 
by that State. The December before, the same Legislature 
passed an act for providing for tlie condemnation of land, if 
necessary, for the public buildings. On January 22, 1791, 
the first commissioners, three in number, were appointed to 
superintend the affairs of the city. On January 24 the Presi- 
dent issued a proclamation directing the commissioners to lay 
down the four experimental lines of boundary, as follows : 

First, by running a line from tlie court-house of Alexan- 
dria, in Virginia, due SW. J m., and thence a due SE. course 
till it struck Hunting Creek. This was to be the initial 
point, from which the first line was to run due ISTW. 10 m. ; 
the second into Maryland due NE. 10 m. ; the third due SE. 
10 m. ; and tlie fourth due SW. 10 m. to the beginning, on 
Hunting Creek. These were approved by Congress. The 
original act required the location of the District above the 
mouth of the Eastern Branch or Anacostia river. To con- 
form the law to the experimental lines, an amendatory act, 
approved March 3, 1791, repealed the conflicting portion of 
the act of July 16, 1790, but recxuired the public buildings to 
be erected on the Maryland side of the Potomac. After the 
completion of the necessary legislation on the subject. Presi- 
dent Washington set out on a visit to the Potomac. He 
arrived March 28, 1791, and put up at Suter's tavern, a one- 
story frame structure, the favorite resort of travelers arriving 
at Georgetown. On March 29, in company with the three 
commissioners and the surveyors, Andrew Ellicott and Major 
Peter Charles L'Enfant, he rode over the ground. The same 
night a meeting was held for the purpose of effecting a re- 
conciliation with the property owners. There were^some 
who desired to derive all the advantages offered by the pro- 
posed city without making a reasonable concession to its 
success. The counsel of Washington had its effect. The 
general terms agreed upon were signed by nineteen of the 
original proprietors. The President issued a proclamation, 
dated March 30, 1791, at Georgetown, which defined the lines 
of the Federal ten'itory accepted by Congress, and ordered 
the commissioners to proceed forthwith to have the lines 
permanently marked. 
The President now left for a brief visit to his home at 



238 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 



Mount Vernon ; thence he proceeded to Richmond, Va., 
consult with Gov. Beverly Randolph respecting the paymei 
the $120,000 appropriated by the Commonwealth of Vlrg 
towards the building of the Capital. On April 13 he 
informing the commissioners that the Governor was will 
to advance the money at earlier periods than agreed ui 
On April 12 the commissioners held their first regular m€ 
ing at Georgetown. On April 15 the initial or corner-st 
of" the lines of the Federal territory was formally planted] 
the presence of the three commissioners, Andrew Ellic 
the surveyor, and the Masons and many citizens of Alexan-^ 
dria. James Muir, the pastor of tliat Episcopal parish, deliv- 
ered a sermon. On June 29 a tinal settlement was eflected, 
by which the lands ceded to the Government "were conveyed 
in trust to Thomas Beall, of George, and John M. Gantt, of 
Maryland, or tlieir heirs, for tlie United States. The streets, 
squares, parcels, and lots were to be laid out, and conveyed 
b}^ the trustees to the United States ; the residue of the land 
was to be divided equally. For their share the United States 
were to pay £25, or $66 66f an a. The streets and squares 
went to tlie Government free. There were other stipulations 
respecting sales of lands and payment of indebtedness to the 
proprietors. They were also j^ermitted to occupy the lands 
till required for public use. Owing to a disagreement, the 
streets and reservations were never conveyed to the commis- 
sioners. The law officer of the Government and the Supreme 
Court of the United States, however, have decided that the 
United States have absolute control over them notwithstand- 
ing. An act of Maryland, Dec. 19, 1791, ratified the cession 
of its portion of the Federal territory, and designated certain 
powers and duties of the commissioners, w^ho were also aii- 
tliorized to take possession, in the same proportion as agreed 
with the others, of lots in Hamburg and Carrollsburg. The 
inhabitants of Georgetown, who so requested, were t^ be in- 
cluded, provided they conformed to the general terms of 
the agreement, which they declined. 

Tlie laying out of the city according to the plans prepared 
by L'Enfant, which were approved by Washington in Aug., 
1791, was carried out under the direction of Andrew Ellicott, 
a native of Bucks county, Penn., a gentleman of fine attain- 
ments, and who had executed a number of important sur- 
veys. He was born in 1754, and died at West Point in 1820. 

Tlie first step was the establishment of the "meridian 
line" tlu'ougli the site of the Capitol, and the E. and W. in- 
tersecting line, which were to form the basis of the execution 
of the entire plan. At a meeting of the commissioners on 
Sept. 8, 1791, certain regulations were prescribed in regard 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 239 

to the erection of private buildings, and the present names of 
the citj^ and District ffnd designation of the streets were 
adopted. Tlie first public sale of lots, of which the Govern- 
ment had 10,13G, took place at Georgetown on Oct. 17, 1791. 
A large number of purcliasers were present from all parts of 
the country, and the piices paid ranged from $26 66 to $306 59. 
During the summer and autumn of 1791 the commissioners 
also made preparations for the commencement of work early 
hi the following spring. Contracts for building material and 
food were awarded, and a freestone quarry on Higgington's 
island, 40 m. below the city, was purchased. 

The President's House was the first of the public buildings 
commenced. An historical sketch of each of the public 
buildings will be found, with their clescription, in the HAND- 
BOOK. ' 

Tlie building of the city, as might be expected, attracted a 
number of that class of persons who, though poor in means, 
were still rich in schemes. Among the earliest was one 
Samuel Blodgett, who appeared on the scene as an applicant for 
permission to build an entire street, which was gi'anted. After 
considerable planning and negotiating, the enterprise was 
abandoned, the commissioners having no funds to spare, and 
Blodgett's being all in anticipation. Undaunted, however, 
the same person undertook the erection of a great hotel, the 
funds for which w^re to be raised by lottery, the hotel being 
the first prize. The building was partly erected, and was 
drawn by a person without means to complete it. It re- 
mained unfinished till purchased, years after, by the Gevern- 
ment for the Post and Patent Offices. 

In 1793, the commissioners entered into an agreement 
witli Eobert Morris and James Greenleaf for the sale of 6,000 
lots, at $80 a lot, payable hi seven annual installments, with- 
out interest, they obliging themselves to erect, in 1794, and 
annually for six years, twenty brick houses, two stories high. 
Tlie above two and John Nicholson bound themselves to ful- 
fill the contract. The parties failed to comply with any por- 
tion of the contract, wliich led to the serious embarrassment 
of the commissioners. 

One of the great obstacles in the w^ay of the commission- 
ers in the beguming was the scarcitj'^ of skilled workmen. 
Agents were sent to the northern cities, and some importa- 
tions were made from abroad. The slaves from the adjacent 
plantations were almost exclusively employed as laborers. 

In 1796, Congress authorized the commissioners, under 
the direction of the President, to borrow $300,000, and, at 
the same time, assumed a supervision of the aftairs of tlie 
city, requiring the commissioners to report their operations 



240 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 



semi-annually to the Secretary of the Treasury. Meeti 
with no success in negotiating their Idftii in Holland, whei 
the first application of the commissioners was made, the 
sembly of Maryland came to their rescue by granting thei 
a loan of $100,000. 

The election of John Adams at first excited some solicituc 
on the part of the friends of the Federal city, in considej 
tion of the opposition to the selection of the Potomac sit 
shown by the New England States in the discussion and vc ' 
in Congress in 1790. The President, however, gave assi 
ance of a determination to carry out the views of Ms pi " 
cessor. 

In 1799, after a long discussion, Congress voted anot 
$100,000 to the commissioners, which amount was also at 
vanced by the State of Maryland. The next j^ear $5C '" 
was obtained from the same source, on the personal 
of the commissioners. 

In February, 1800, they executed the papers necessary 
the security of all the loans or advances to the city, ' 
from the State of Maryland and the National Governi 
amounting to $300,000, exclusive of the last loan of $f ' 
For that purpose they pledged all the property in tl 
sold or contracted for before that time, and upon whichfj 
ments had not been made. The land acquired or pui 
for the United States and j^et unsold, exclusive of lotS| 
feited for non-payment of purchase money and then lial' 
be sold, amounted to 4,682 lots and 2,043 ft. front 
navigable water, valued at $884,750. The debt was $1^ 
and contracted for on the credit of the above funds of 
881. The N. wing of the Capitol, the President's 
and War and Treasury Offices, the first commenced in 
were ready for occupation. A number 'of dwellings j 
been erected by private parties in the vicinity of tlie Ca| 
President's House, and Grecnleaf's Point. PennsyU 
av., the thoroughfare from the Capitol to the Presi(" 
House, was ditched. Other avenues and streets connectii 
the widely-scattered parts of the city were also opened. Tl 
reservations around the Capitol and President's House^ 
planted. A turnpike was also opened to Baltimore, 
ble provisions having been made by act of Congress 
April 24, 1800, the archives of the Government were 
veyed to Washington. The Executive and offices 
transferred at the same time. On November 21 Coi 
commenced its sessions in the N. wing of the Capitol. 
gress assumed jurisdiction over the District of Columbia' 
1801, and declared that the laws of Virginia and Maryl 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. . 241 

Bhould continue respectively in force in the portions of the 
District ceded by those States. 

In 1802 the Board of Commissioners was abolished and 
succeeded by a superintendent, Thomas Munroe, who was re- 
quired to settle up all accounts, and to sell a sufiBcient number 
of the lots pledged for the repayment of the loan of $200,000 
from the State of Maryland, so as to meet all obligations of 
mterest and installments. In event of an unwarrantable sac- 
rifice of the property to meet these demands, the sale was to 
cease, and the balance was to be paid out of the Treasury of 
the United States. Lots not paid for were also to be sold to 
meet the loan of $50,000 from the State of Maryland, or, if 
hot sufficient, the residue was to be paid out of the Treasury. 

Mayors of Washington. — 1802, Robert Brent ; 1812, Daniel 
Rapine ; 1813, James H. Blaise ; 1817, Benjamin G. Orr ; 1819, 
Samuel M. Small wood; 1822, T. Carberry; 1824, Roger C. 
Weightman; 1827, Joseph Gales, jr.; 1830, John P. Van 
Ness; 1834, W. A. Bradley; 1836, Peter Force ; 1840, W. W. 
Seaton; 1850, Walter Lenox; 1852, John W. Maury; 1854, 
John T. Towers ; 1856, W. B. Magruder ; 1858, J. G. Ber- 
rett ; 1862, Richard Wallach ; 1868, S. J. Bowen ; 1870, M. G. 
Emery. 

Governors of the District of Columbia. — 1871, Henry D. 
Cooke ; 1873, A. R. Shepherd. 

On May 3, 1802, the municipal government was created by 
Congress, to consist of a mayor and council. Congress re- 
served supreme jurisdiction. The affairs of the county, and 
the construction of roads outside the city, were intrusted to 
a board known as the levy court. On Feb. 21, 1871, the ter- 
ritorial form of government was substituted. 

The most important event in the history of the Capital 
since its foundation was the occupation by the British. The 
President (Madison) and the Cabinet, over-confident of the 
safety of the Capital, or the indisposition of the Biitish, who 
controlled the Chesapeake, to attack, had neglected to make 
suitable provisions for defense. As a consequence, about 
3,500 raw militia, hastily concentrated and badly handled, 
were suddenly called upon to confront the enemy, 4,000 
strong, at Bladensburg, 5 m. from the Capital, on August 
24, 1814. Commodore Barnej^, with a few hundred sailors 
and marines, and BealFs Maryland militia, made a stubborn 
resistance on the turnpike, but, unsupported by the rest of 
the troops, who had fled almost without a fight, fell back to 
the Capital, proposing to defend that point. From here he 
was ordered to retire and take position behind Georgetown, 
leaving the city entirely defenseless. The American troops 
16 



242 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 



retreated tov/ards Montgomery Court House, leaving been 
preceded hy the President and (Cabinet and other prominent] 
officers of the Government. The total force of Americans' 
available was 7,000 men, but throngli mismanagement, tlie 
incapacity of Gen. Winder, the commander, and tlie inter- 
ference of the President and Cabinet, especially the Secretary 
of War, not more than half tliat number reached the neld, 
and even then were outnumbered five to one on the points of] 
attack. The wdiole British force which landed on the Pau- 
tuxent numbered 5,123 men, of which 4,500 men took parti 
in the fight . The American loss was 26 killed and 51 wounded,| 
and the British 150 killed and 300 wounded. 

At 8 p. m. on the day of the battle the enemy bivouacked | 
on Capitol Hill. The Capitol, Library of Congress, Presi-j 
dent's House, Arsenal, Treasury and War offices, Longi 
Bridge, and office of the National Intelligencer newspaper, 
were biu-ned tlie same night, also some private buildii 
The Navy Yard and frigate Columbia, on the stocks,^ 
Argus, five barges, and two gunboats were destroyed| 
order of the Secretary of the Navy. The explosion of 
der in a well at the arsenal killed 15 and wounded 30 
British. 

On the evening of August 25 the British evacuated the 
Capital. To use the words of one of the British officers, tli 
retreat "was as cautious and stealthy and precipitate as 
natural for a retreating army under sucli circumstances." 
On the retreat many died of fatigue or were taken prisoner 
by the cavalry harassing the rear. Nearly 200 of the deac 
left by the enemy were buried by the citizens. It was esti-t 
mated that his aggregate loss was not less than 1,000 men. 

\The enemy reached Benedict on the evening of August 29^ 
and re-embarked tlie next day. 

The sight of the Capital in flames had aroused the iniu 
itants of the surrounding country, wdio were being rallied 
the Secretary of State, Mr. Monroe. It was resolved to ci 
off the enemy's retreat to his ships. His haste, howevei 
frustrated these patriotic proceedings. 

When the question of the restoration of the public buil^ 
ings was under discussion, a long and bitter debate ensue ' 
evincing not only a strong disposition to abandon the 
but a dangerous sectional feeling. For a time tlie most 
ous consequences were threatened. Calmer counsels, h< 
ever, prevailed, and an appropriation of $500,000 was 
for the repair or re-erection of the buildmgs on their ol 
sites. Tlie estimated loss was $1,000,000. 

In 1846 that portion of the District lying on the west banl 
of the Potomac was retroceded to Virginia. In 1850 the sale 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 243 

of slaves was prohibited, and on April 16, 1862, slavery was 
abolished in the District. 

Daring the rebellion, 1861-65, the Capital had every ap- 
pearance of a vast fortress. It was the base of operations of 
mighty armies, called out for the defense of the Constitution 
and tlie Union. On the surrounding Iiills were military 
camps ; in the city were hospitals and stores ; and the ave- 
nues and streets were the daily scene of moving troops and 
trains. 

The infusion of a new element into the population of the 
Capital was one of the important results of the rebellion of 
1861-'65. It was not, however, till a decade later that a sys- 
tem of improvements on a grand scale were commenced. In 
that time the number of the Inhabitants increased nearly 
tifty thousand. Congress, in the meantime, had dispossessed 
itself of the idea that a National Capital was a political conve- 
nience, instead of necessity. The ideas of Washington, Jeffer- 
son, and L'Enfant, after a sleep of more than three quarters 
of a centurj^, are being realized. The grand avenues, broad 
streets, and beautiful parks are in keeping with the magni- 
licence of the Capitol and the imposing proportions of the 
structures occupied by the various Executive Departments 
of tlie G-overnment. Elegant residences, fine churches, 
commodious scliool-liouses, and many public and private 
institutions have been erected. It must be admitted that the 
Capital is no longer a reflection upon the taste, culture, and 
liberality of the nation, and the least inviting of American 
cities. At the same rate of improvement, in ten years the 
Capital of the United States will be one of the most beauii- 
ful in the world. These gratifying results are unqaeslion- 
ably due to the interest and zeal of President Grant, and to 
the energy and courage of Governor Shepherd, with tlie ap- 
probation of Congress and the people. 



INDEX 



Adams, John, painting of, 123. 

Admiral's OflBce, 140. 

Agriculture, Department of, 156; 

Grounds, 156 ; Plant Houses, 156 ; 

Building, 157; Museum, 159; 

History of, 161. 
District of Columbia, 11. 

Committe on, 114. 

Museum of, 159. 

Alexandria, 228; History of, 229; 

Washington's Headqu'rs, 229; 

Christ Church, 229; National 

Cemetery, 229. 

Canal, 214, 229. 

Allegory, Brumidi's, 76. 
Altitude, mean, Washington, 15. 
Amusements, general, xiv. 
Anacostia river, 15, 49. 

Channel, 49. 

Analostan Island, 214. 

Antiquities, European, 191. 

Aqueduct, 217; Distances, 217; Dis- 
tributing Reservoir, 217; Re- 
ceiving, 217; Cabin John Bridge, 
218; Falls of the Potomac, 218. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Bridge, 53, 214. 

Architects of the Capitol, 114. 
Area of Washington, 3. 
Arlington House, 215; National Cem- 
etery, 215; Custis's Spring, 216. 

Armory, 196. 

Square, 38. 

Army, Headquarters of, 136. 

Army Medical Museum, 167. 

Arsenal, 172. 

Art, Corcoran Gallery of, 191. 

Associate Justices, list of, 89. 

Asylums— Naval Hospital, 202; Sol- 
diers' and Sailors' Orphans' 
Home, 202; Columbia Hospital 
for Women, and Lying-in, 202; 
Washington, 202; Louise Home, 
203; Providence, General, 203; 
Washington City Orphan, 203; 
Children's Hospital, 204; St. 
John's Hospital, 204; St. Ann's 
Infant, 204; St. Joseph's Male 
Orphan, 204; St. Vincent's Fe- 



Asylums — 

male Orphan, 204; Epiphany 
Church Home, 204; Home for 
the aged, 205 ; Deaf and Dumb, 
225; Insane, 227. 

Attorneys General, list of, 155. 

Avenues, 24. 

Description of, 26. 

Improvement of, 25. 

Bache, A. D., grave of, 206. 

Baltimore and Potomac Bridge, 53. 

Baptism of Pocahontas, painting, 74. 

Basement, House of Reps., 113. 

N. vring, 104. 

Senate, 101. 

S. wing, 105. 

Battery and electric gas-lighting 
apparatus, 77. 

Battle Record room, 170. 

Benning's Bridge, 53. 

Benton, bust of, 97. 

Birds, 39. 

Bladensburg, 224; battle-field of, 
224; duelling ground at, 224; 
Calvert mansion, 224. 

Battle of, 241. 

Board of Public Works, 9, 207. 

Boarding, viii. 

Boone in conflict with the Indians, 
relievo, 70. 

Booth, assassin, 173. 

Botanical Garden, site, 41 ; Grounds, 
41; Conservatories, 42; Botani- 
cal class room. 42; Joint Com- 
mittee on the Library, 42; Botan- 
ical collection, 42; Centre Build- 
ing or Rotunda, 43; East range 
and wing, 43; West range and 
wing, 44; Superintendents, 45; 
History, 45. 

Botany, District of Columbia, 12. 

Boundaries, District of Columbia, 6. 

Washington, 4. 

Boundary street, 30, 31. 

Bridges, 52; Long Bridge, 52; Navy 

Yard, 53; Benning's, 63; Balti- 
more and Potomac Railroad, 53; 
Aqueduct, 53; Chain, 53; Penn- 
sylvania av., (Rock creek,) 53, 



(245) 



246 



INDEX. 



Bridges— 

214; M-st, 53; P-st., 53; James 

creek canal, 53; Culverts, 53; 

Uniontown,53; Cabin John, 218; 

Mountain Spring, 218. 
Bronze door, main, G7. 
Senate, 90. 

Staircases, 94, 109. 

Brown, General, grave of, 206. 
Cabin John Bridge, 218. 
Cabot, relievo of, 70. 

Canals, 50; Washington, 50; James 
creek, 50 ; Chesapeake and Ohio, 
213; Alexandria, 214, 229. 

Cannon captured, 172, 174. 

Capital, a virgin, 1. 

Capitol, 56; Situation, 56; Street 
ears to, 57; Site of, 57; Ap- 
proaches, 57 ; Grounds, 58 ; Gen- 
eral exterior view of, 58; First 
terrace, 61 ; Fountain, 61 ; Sec- 
ond terrace, 61 ; General exte- 
rior description, 62; Dome, 63; 
Statue of Freedom, 64 ; Porticos, 
65 ; Statuary, 65, 66 ; Main Bronze 
door, 67; Rotunda, 69; Kelievos, 
70; Historical paintings, 70; 
Canopy of Rotunda, 76; Ascent 
of the Dome, 77; Battery and 
electric gas-lighting apparatus, 
77; Panoramic view of Wash- 
ington, 77; Library of the United 
States, 79; North wins, 87; N. 
or Senate Extension, 90; Stair- 
eases, 92, 94, 96; Galleries, 97; 
Senate Chamber, 99; Basement, 
100; Committee rooms, 101; 
Heating and ventilating, 103, 
114; N. wing basement, 104; 
Law Library, 104; Crypt, 104; 
Undercroft, 104; National Stat- 
uary Hall, 105; S. or House Ex- 
tension, 108; Staircases, 109; 
Second floor, 112; Galleries, 112; 
House of Representatives, 112; 
Basement, 113; Com'tee rooms, 
114; Capitol police, 114; Archi- 
tects, 114; History, 114. 

Hill, 15,57. 

History of, 114. 

Selection of site of, 17. 

Street, E., N., S., 31. 

Cemeteries, Eastern and Western, 

(Holmead,) 205; Congressional, 
205; Arlington, (Military,) 216; 
Rock Creek, 223; Military, (Sol- 
diers' Home,) 223; Glenwood, 
224; Prospect Hill, 224; St. Ma- 
ry's, 224; Mt. Olivet, 226: Grace- 
land, 227; National, (Alexan- 
dria,) 229. 

Ceremonies, xiv. 

Chain Bridge, 53. 



Chapultepec, storming of, palntini 

96. 

Chase, grave of, 212. 

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, 213. 

Chief Justices, busts of, 87. 

list of, 89. 

Childrens' Hospital, 204. 

Chronicle, The, 200. 

Church, Christ, Alexandria, 229. 

Rock Creek, 223. 

Churches, list of, xiii. 

Washington, 197. 

Circles, Washington, 39 ; 14th stre 
39; 13th street, 39; P street, ' 

City Hall, 171. 

City Spring, 198. 

Claims, U. S. court of, 89. 

Clinton, George, statue of, 107. 

grave of, 205. 

Climate, District of Columbia, 13. 

College, Deaf Mute, 225. 

Georgetown, 213. 

Columbia Hospital for Women, 202. 

Institute, for the deaf and 

dumb, 225. 

Columbian University. 220. 

Columbus, relievo of, 70. 

Commissioners of Washington, ; 

Committee Rooms — Senate — 101 j 
Military Affairs, 102; Naval Af 
fairs, 102; Indian, 102; Forei|^ 
Relations, 102; Judiciary, 102^ 
Librar3% 102. 

House, 114 ; Agriculture, 114. 

Commerce, 50. 

Congress, 120. 

Continental, Presidents of, 119, 

Continental, Sessions of, 119. 

History of, 118. 

Congressional Library, (see Library 

' of the U.S.,) 79. 

Connecticut av., 25-27. 

Conservatories, President's, 123. 

Constitution of the U. S., original, 
128. 

Ratification of, 119. 

Convent of the Visitation, 212. 

Copyrights, 86. 

Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189 ; Stat- 
uary. 191; Bronzes, 191; Anti- 
quities, 191 ; Paintings, 191. 

Corcoran, W. W., 192. 

Crawford, sculptor, bust of, 107. 

Crypt, the, 104. 

Culverts, 53. 

Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 225. 

Deaf Mute College, 225. 

Declaration of Independence, 148. 

Signing of, painting, 71. 

Defenses of Washington, 232. 

Delaware av., 24, 28. 

Department of State, 128 ; Treasury, 
131 ; War, 130 ; Navy, 140 ; Inte- 



INDEX. 



247 



Department of State— 

rior, 142; Post Office, 151; Jus- 
tice, 154; Agriculture, 156. 

Discovery of America, statue. 68, 

Discovery of the Mississippi River, 
painting, 75. 

Distances to Great Falls Potomac, 
. 217. 

Tables of, xix, 3. 

District of Columbia— Geographical 
situation. 5; Boundaries, 6, 237; 
Political Divisions, 7; Govern- 
ment, 7; Finances, 9; Popula- 
tion, 9; Statistics, miscellane- 
ous, lu; Vital Statistics, 10; In- 
dustry and Wealth, 10; Agri- 
culture, 11; Topography, 11; 
Geology, 11; Botany, 12; Zoolo- 
gy, 12; Ornithology, 12; Ichthy- 
ology, i;3; -Herpetology, 13; 
Climate, 13. 

Government, 207; Governor's 

Office, 207; Hall of the Legisla- 
lative Assembly, 207 ; Board of 
Public Works, 207; Fire De- 
partment, 207; Metropolitan 
Police, 208; Jail, 208. 

Document Libraries, 97. 112. 
Dome, Capitol, 63; Ascent of, 77. 
Door, Main, House extension, 109. 
Dow. Lorenzo, grave of, 205. 
Downing, A. J., 39. 

Vase, 178. 

Drive, the, 29. 
Duddington Mansion, 210. 
Duelling Ground, 224. 
Easby's Point,49. 
Education, Bureau of, 142. 
Electric gas-light apparatus, 77. 
Elevations, Washington, 10. 
Elevator, 95. 

Ellicott, Andrew, runs bounds, 6. 

marks the site ofCapitol, 17. 

Embarkation of the Pilgrims, paint- 
ing, 75. 

Embellishments proposed, 17. 

Engineer's OtTice, 41. 

Environs of Washington — George- 
town, 211; Anaiostan Island, 
214; Arlington House and Na- 
tional Ce'meteiy, 215; Fort 
Whipple, 210; Aqueduct and 
Falls of the Potomac, 217; Kal- 
orama, 220; Meridian Hill, 220; 
Columbian University, 220; Way- 
land Seminary, 220; Howard 
University, 221; Soldiers' Home, 
221; Grave of L'Enfant, 222; 
Rock Creek Church and Ceme- 
tery, 223; National Cemetery, 
223; Glen wood Cemetery, 224; 
Bladensburg, 224; Columbia In- 
stitute for the Deaf and Dumb, 



Environs of Wa-sliint^toii — 

and Deaf Mute College, 225; Mt. 
Olivet Cemetery, 220; Grace- 
land Cemetery, 227; Reform 
School, 227; Zoological Society. 
227; Government Hospital fiir 
the Insane, 227; Alexandria, 
228; Mount Vernon, 230; De- 
fenses of Washington, 232. 

Epiphany Church Home, 204. 

Etiquette, xiv. 

Exet-ulive av.. 28. 

Buildings, 50. 

IMansion (See Presidt's House.) 

121. 

(Jffices, 124. 

the, 127. 

Extension of city, 52. 
—r- House, Capitol, 108. 

Senate, 109, 

Farragut Square, 36. 

statute of, proposed, 46. 

Fillmore, portrait of, 123. 
Finances, District of Columbia, 9. 

Washington, 4. 

Fire Department, 207. 
Fl;igs, captured, 137. 
Folding Room, Senate, 101. 
Foote. Fort, 230. 
Foieign Capitals, 5. 
Formalities, xiv. 
Fountain.", 48. 
Franklin bchooK 201. 

Square, 37- 

statue of, 92. 

Freedom, statue of, 64. 

Fre,s<tos — Rotunda, Canopy, 76; Sen- 
ate Reception Room, 93; Senate 
PostOffiee, 93; Presid'ts Room, 
95; Senate Basement, 101; Ful- 
ton, 101; Committee Rooms, 
Senate, 101 ; Military Affairs, 102; 
Naval Affairs, 102; Indian, 102; 
Foreign Relations, 102; Judici- 
ary, 102; Library, 102; Western 
Staircase. House, 109; Hall of 
House, 113; Agricultural Com- 
mittee Room 114. 

Galleries, Senate, 97. 

House, 112. 

Gas, lighting the city, 45- 
CJeneral information, vii. 
Genius of America, statuary, 65. 
Geographical location, Wash'n, 2. 

situation, Dist. Columbia, 5. 

Geology, 11. 

Georgetown, 211; Oak Hill Ceme- 
tery, 211; High-service Reser- 
voir, 212 ; Convent of the Visita- 
tion, and Academy, 212; College, 
213; Chesapeake and Ohio Ca- 
nal, 213; Aqued't, 214; Wharves, 
214; Commerce, 214; Shad and 



248 



INDEX. 



Georgetown- 
Herring, 214; Rock C'k Bridge, 

214. 
Georgia av., 28, 
Gerry, Elbridge, grave of, 205. 
Giesboro', 230 
Glenwood Cemetery, 224. 
Government Dist. Columbia,?, 207. 

Wasl>ington,4. 

Seat of established, 120, 235,230, 

237. 

spring, 221. 

Government Printing Office, 168; 
Public Printers, 169; History, 
169. 

Governor's Office, 207. 

Governors list of, 241. 

Graceland Cemetery, 227. 

Green, General, statue of, 107. 

Halls— Masonic Temple, 198; Odd 
Fellows', 198; Lincoln, 199; Wil- 
lards', 199. 

Hamilton, statue of, 107. 

Hancock. John, statue of, 96. 

Harbor, improvement of, 51. 

Potomac river. 48; Harbor, 49; 

Potomacchannel,49; Anacostia 
channel, 49; of Georgetown, 49; 
Main channel, 49. 

Heating and Ventilating Senate, 
103; House, 114; 

Herpetology, 13. 

Historic Relics, 148, 187. 

Historical Paintings— Rotunda, 70; 
Declaration of Independence, 
71 ; Surrender of Burgoyne, 71 ; 
Surrender of Cornwaflis. 72; 
Resignation of General Wash- 
ington, 73; Baptism of Poca- 
hontas, 74; I>iscovery of the 
Mississippi River, 75; Landing 
of Columbus, 75; Embarkation 
of the Pilgrims, 75. 

Historical Retrospect, 55^ 

Holmead Cemetery, 205. 

Home for the Aged, 205. 

Home, Soldier.^', 221. 

Hospitals, (see Asylums,) 202; 

Hotels, vii. 

House of Representatives, 120; Hall 
of, 112; Speakers of, 121. 

Howard University, 2J1. 

Hunter, John, portrait, 167. 

Hydrographic Office, 140. 

Ichthyology, 13. 

II Penserof^'o, statue, 107. 

Indian Office, 142. 

Warrior, bronze, 109. 

Indifma av , 28. 

Initial stone of D. C, 229, 230. 

Insane Asylum, 227. 

Interior Department, 142; Bureaus. 
142; Secretary's Office, 142; In- 



Interior Department — 

dian Office, 142; Bureau of 
ucation,142. Survey of the' 
ritories, 144; Secretaries, 
The Department, 145. (See< 
ent Office.) 

Secretaries, list of, 144. 

Jackson, statue of, 34. 

Jail, 206. 

Jefferson School, 201. 

statues of, 109, 122. 

Jones' Point, 230. 

Judiciary, The, 89. 

Square, 37. 

Justice, Department of, 154; Att 
ney General's Office, 154; 
traits, 155; Attorneys Genet 
155; The Department, 155; 
reaus, 155. 

Justice and History, statuary, 

K street, 31. 

Kalorama, 220. 

Kearney, General, statue of, 

Kentucky av., 25, 28. 

Kosciusko, bust of, 107. 

La Salle, relievo, 70. 

Ladies' Retiring Room, Senate, 
House, 112. 

Lafayette Square, 34. 

portrait of, 113. 

Landing of Columbus, painting. 
Landing of the Pilgrims, relievo,! 
Latitude, 2. 

]jaw Library, 80 ; Description of. 
Legislative Hall, 207. 
L'Enfant, Plan of Washington, U 
origin of plan, 19. 

grave of, 222. 

Librarians of the United States, 
Libraries, United States, 79; Cc 

gressional, (see United Statt 
79; Smithsonian, 81 ; Force,; 
Jefferson, 84; Document, H.] 
112; Odd Fellow.s', 199; Youi 
Men's Christian Associat'n,19 
George town College, 213. 

Library of the United Stat 
Library Halls, 79 ; propose* 
building, 79; Volumes, 80; ^ 
parison of libraries, foreij 
home, 80; Collection of 
80; Smithsonian Libra 
Force Library, 81 ; Rules < 
Document Libraries, 82; ' 
83; Librarians, 83; Hist 
Jefferson Library, 84; 
rights, 80; Law Library, I 

Lincoln, painting of, 124. 

Assassination of, 166. 

Bust of, 107. 

Square, 38. 

Statue of, 107. 

proposed, 38. 



INDEX. 



:49 



Lincoln Hall, 199; Free Reading 
Room, 199 ; Library, 199. 

Livingston, Statue of, 107. 

Lobbies, Senate, 94; House, 109. 

Lodgings, vii. 

Long Bridge, 52. 

Longitude, 2. 

Louise Home, 203. 

Louisiana av., 28. 

Lovel, Surg. General, portrait, 167. 

M-street Bridge, 53. 

Mace, 109, 113. 

Macomb, General, grave of, 206. 

Mails, the,xii. 

Maine av., 28. 

Mall, the, 19. 

Magazines, 177. 

Marble room, 94. 

Marine barracks, 176. 

Markets, 209; Centre, 209; Eastern, 
209; Western, 209; Northern, 
209. 

Maryland av., 25, 27. 

Masonic Temple, 198. 

Mason's Island, 214. 
I Massachusetts av., 23, 27. 

I Mayors of Washington, 241. 
' Meridian, first U. S., 166. 
j -— Hill, 220. 

I Missouri av., 28. 

j Monument, W^ashington Nat'l, 192. 

Morton, Dr , painting, 167. 
I Mount Olivet Cemetery, 226. 

Mount Vernon, 230; the Vault, 230; 
I the Mansion, 230; Ladies' As- 

ciation, 231. 

I Place, 37. 

' Mountain Spring Bridge, 218. 

I Museum, Agricultural, 159; Army 

I Medical, 167; Ordnance, 170; 

Naval, 174; National, 181; Cor- 
coran Gallery of Art, 191. 

Nautical Almanac, 141. 

Naval Hospital. 202. 

Observatory, 163; Site, 163; De- 
scription, 163; Instrument.'*. 164; 
Superintendents, 104; History, 
165. 

Navy Department, 149; Secretary's 
office. 140; Admiral's office, 140; 
Hydrographic office, 140 ; Nau- 
tical Almanac, 141; Secretaries, 
141 ; the Department, 141. 

- Secretaries, list of, 141. 

Yard, 174; captured cannon. 

174; Buildings, 174; Museum, 
174 ; History, 175. 

Bridge. .53. 

J*Jeale, Archbishop, grave of, 212. 

New Hampshire av., 28. 

New Jersey av., 25, 28, 

New York av., 25, 27. 

Newspaper offices, 199; National 



Newspaper offices — 

Republican, 200; Chronicle, 200 ; 
Evening Star, 200. 

North Carolina av., 25, 28. 

Oak Hill Cemetery, 211. 

Observatory, Naval, 163. 

Octagon, The, 126, 140. 

Odd-Fellows' Hall, 198; Library, 199. 

Official Reporters' room. Senate, 
92; House, 109. 

Ohio av., 28. 

Ordnance office, 170; Museum, 170. 

Ornamental gardening, 39. 

Ornithology, 12. 

P-street Bridge, 53. 

Paintings, Historical, Rotunda, 70; 
Perry's Victory on L. Erie, 92; 
Peale's Washington, 94; Storm- 
ing of Chepultepec, 90; Grand 
Canon of the Yellowstone, 107; 
Gen. Sco+t, 109; Westward Ho, 
109; John Adams, 123; Van Bu- 
ren, 123; Tyler, 123; Polk, 123; 
Fillmore, 123; Pierce, 123; 
Washington, 124; Lincoln, 124; 
Portraits of Secretaries of War, 
136 ; Portraits of Attorneys Gen- 
eral, 155; Lovel, 107; Hunter, 
167; Morton, 107; Physic, 167; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191 ; Wash- 
ington before Yorktown, 231. 

Parking, 32. 

Parks, (see Reservations and Sq'rs.) 

Patent Office, 145; Description of, 
146; Model Rooms, 147; His- 
toric Relics, 148; Models, 149; 
History, 1.50. 

Peace, statue, 66. 

Penitentiary, 173. 

Pennsylvania av., 25, 26. 

Penn, W., conference with Indians, 
relievo, 70. 

Perry's Victory on Lake Erie, paint- 
ing, 92. 

Physic, Dr., portrait, 107. 

Pierce, portrait, 123. 

Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

Plan of Washington, 16; Origin of, 
19; Execution of, 17. 

Plant Houses, 157. 

Pneumatic Tube, 10,3. 

Pocahontas saving life of Smith, re- 
lievo, 70. 

Police, Metropolitan, 208; Capitol, 
114. 

Political Divisions D. C, 7. 

Polk, portrait, 123. 

Population, District, 9. 

Wasliington, 4. 

Postage, rates of, xiii. 

Postmasters General, list of, 154, 

Post Office, City, xii, 153. 

Senate, 93. 



250 



INDEX. 



Post Office, General, 151; Descrip- 
tion, 151; Postmaster General's 
Office, 153; City Post Office, 153; 
History of building, 153; Post- 
masters General, 154; The De- 
partment; 154. 

Potomac, Falls of, 217, 218. 

the drive to, 217. 

River, 48. 

Presidents, list of, 127. 
President's House, 121; Grounds, 

122; Conservatories, 123; Sta- 
bles, 123; Description, Exterior, 
123; Interior, 123 ; History, 125; 
Presidents, 127; The Execu- 
tive, 127. 

President's Room, Capitol, 95. 

Progress of Civilization, statuary, 66. 

Propogating Garden, 41. 

Prospect Hill Cemetery, 224. 

Providence General Hospital, 203. 

Public Printers, list of, 169. 

Quarters, 30, 32. 

Railroads, viii, 54. 

Raleigh, relievo, 70. 

Rates of Postage, xiii. 

Rawlins Square, 37. 

statue of, proposed, 46. 

Reading Room, Free, 199. 

Reception Room, Senate, 93. 

Refectory, Senate, 92; House, 113. 

Reform School, 227. 

Relievos— Fame and Peace, 66; Co- 
lumbus, Cabot, Raleigh, and La 
Salle, 70; Landing .of the Pil- 
grims, 70; Pocahontas saving 
the life of Captain Smith, 70; 
William Penn in conference 
with the Indians, 70; Daniel 
Boone in conflict with the In- 
dians, 70 ; Allegories, in oil, 93 ; 
Fidelity, Steam, and Electri- 
city, 153. 

Reporters' Gallery, Senate, 99; 
House, 112. 

Reporters' Rooms, Senate, 97; 
House, 112. 

Representation in Congress, 120. 

Representatives, Hall of, 112; Old 
Hall, 105. 

Speakers of House of, 121. 

Republican, The, 200. 

Reservations, 21. 

Reservoir— see Aqueduct; 217. 

High Service, 212. 

Resignation of Washington, paint- 
ing, 73. 

Restaurants, viii. 

Retrospect, 20. 

Revolution, allegory, 76. 

Rhode Island av., 28. 

Rock Creek, 15. 
Bridge, 63, 214. 



Rock Creek Church and Get 
223. 

Rotunda, 69 ; Statuary, 70 ; Re^ 
70; Historical paintings,.' 
Canopy, 70; Allegory, 7fl' 
cent of the Dome, 77. 

School, Reform, 227. 

Franklin, 201 ; Seaton, 2aiJ1 

lacli, 201; Jefferson, 201. T' 

Colored, 201; Sumner, 201. 

History of, 201. 

Scott Square, 35. 

Winfield, painting, 109. 

Statue of, 36. 

Seaton Sifhool, 201. 

Seminary, Wayland, 220. 

Senate, 120. 

Chamber, 99. 

Presidents of, 120. 

Sergeant-at-Arms, Senate, Room ol 
93 ; House, 109. 

Settlement of America, statue ( 

Sewers, 32; Georgetown, 32; ^ 
Run, 32-34; Intermediat 
tion,33; B st. intereeptinf 
Tiber basin, 33. 

Sherman, Roger, statue of, 107. 

Signal Office, 137; Instrumet 
room, 137. 

Sixteenth St., 31. 

Scott Statue, 36. 

Smithsonian Inst'n, 178; Grc 
178; Downing Vase, 178| 
scription of building, 17 
jects, 180; National Museui 
Main Hall, 182; Gothic Hs 
West Hall, 184 ; South Vest 
185: Ethnological Hall, 186i 
retaries, 187; History, 187.1 

Soil, 16. ^ 

Soldiers' Home, 221. 

Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan ] 
202. 

South Carolina av., 28. 

Speakers House Represent 
120- 

Gallery of, 109. 

Room, 109. 

Squares — Lafayette, 34; Sc( 
Farragut, 36; Sixteenth! 
(Scott Statue,) 3t) ; Frankli 
Judiciary, 37; Rawlins, 37J 
Vernon Place, 37 ; Circus t| 
Armory, 38; Lincoln, 38 ;j 
ton Place, 38. 

St. Ann's Infant Asylum, 204. 

St. John's Hospital, 204. 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan A{ 
204. 

St. Vincent's Female Orpha 
lum,204. , 

Stables, President's, 123. 

Staircases, Senate, E., 92; 



INDEX. 



251 



Staircases- 
private, 94; House, E., 109; W.. 
lOO; private, lO'J. 

Stanton, grave of, 212. 

Stanton Place, 38. 

Star, The Evening, 200. 

State, Department of, 128 ; Archives, 
128; State, War, and Navy De- 
partment, 128; Secretaries, 129 ; 
History, 130; Bureaus, 130. 

Secretaries of, 129. 

State, War, and Navy Department, 
129. 

Statistics, District, 10 ; Vital, 10; In- 
dustry and Wealtla, 10. 

Washington, 5. 

Statuary — Genius of America, 65; 
Discovery of America, 06 ; First 
Settlem't of America, 66; Peace, 
06 ; War, 06; Progress of Civili- 
zation in the United States, 66; 
Chief Justices, 87; Justice and 
History, 91; Franklin, 92; Han- 
cock, 96; Benton. 97; Gen. Green, 
107; Roger Williams, 107; Jona- 
than Trumbull, 107; Roger Sher- 
man, 107 ; George Clinton, 107; 
Edward Livingston, 107; Rich- 
ard Stockton, 107; General Kear- 
ney, 107; General Washington, 
107 ; Abraham Lincoln, 107 ; Kos- 
ciusko, 107 ; Crawford, the Sculp- 
tor, 107; Alexander Hamilton, 
107 ; Abraham Lincoln, 107 ; II 
Penseroso, 107; Jefferson, 109; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191. 

Statuary Hall, 105. 

Statues, 46; Greenough's Washing- 
Ington, 59 ; Jefferson, 122; Jack- 
son, 34; Mills's Washington, 39; 
Scott, 36; Lincoln, propose), 
38; Farragut, proposed, 36; Raw- 
lins, proposed, 37; Lincoln, 172, 

Steamers, ix. 

Stockton, statue of, 107. 

Street Cars, ix. 

Street Railways, 54. 

Streets, 30. 

renomenclature, .31. 

Sub-basement, Senate, 103; House, 

114. 

Sumner School, 201. 

Superintendents Naval Observato- 
ry, 164. 

Supreme Court of the United States, 
87; Chamber, 87; Busts of Chief 
Justices, 87 ; Sessions of, 88; the 
Chamber when occupied by the 
Senate, 88; Chief Justices, 89; 
Associates, 89 ; The Judiciary, 
89. 

Surratt, Mrs., grave of, 226. 

Surrender of Burgoyne, paint'g, 71. 



Surrender of Cornwallis, painting. 

72. 
Telegraph, 54. 

Offices, xiii. 

Official, Senate, 103; House, 109. 

Press, Senate, 99; House, 112. 

Tennessee av., 25, 28. 
Territorial buildings, 207. 
Territories, Survey of the, 144. 
Theatres, xiv. 

Tiber, 16. 

Time, difference of, xix. 

Topography, District, 11. 

Washington. 15. 

Treasury Department, description, 
131 ; Secretary's room, 133 ; Cash 
room, 133; Vaults, 133; Count- 
ing the currency. 133 ; Bureaus, 
134; Photograph office, 134; 
Coast Survey, 135; Secretaries, 
135; History, 135. 

Secretaries of the, 135. 

Triangles, 39. 

Trumbull, Jonathan, statue of, 107.. 

Tyler, John, portrait, 123. 

Undercroft, The, 104. 

University, Columbian, 220; How- 
ard, 221. 

Uniontown, 230. 

Van Buren, portrait of, 123. 

Van Ness mansion, 210; Ware- 
house, 210. 

Vault or Undercroft, 104. 

Senate, 103; House, 114. 

Vehicles for hire, xii. 
Vermont av., 25, 27. 
Vestibule, Senate, 91 ; House, 109. 
Vice Presidents U. S., list of, 120. 
Vice President's room, 94. 

View, panoramic, of Washington, 77. 

Views of Washington, 15. 

Virginia av., 28. 

Wallach School, 201. 

War Department, 136; Secretary's 
office, 136; Gallery of portraits, 
136 ; Headquarters of the Army, 
136; Flag room, 137; Signal 
office, 137; Instrument room, 
137; the service, 1.38; Secreta- 
ries, 139; the Department, 139. 

Secretaries of, gallery of, 136. 

Secretaries of, list of, 138. 

Statue of, 66. 

Washington Asylum, 202. 

Defenses of, 232. 

Distances from, xix. 

Fort, 230. 

Washington city a virgin Capital, 1 ; 
Geographical location, 2; Se- 
lection of site, 2; Distances, 3; 
Area, 3; Government, 4; Finan- 
ces, 4; Population, 4; Statistics, 
5 ; Foreign Capitals, 5. ■ 



252 



INDEX. 



Washington city, History of, 234; 

Commissioners, 235; Mayors, 

241 ; Governors, 241. 

Orphan Asylum, 203, 

Washington, Geo., portraits, Peale's, 

94; Vanderlyn,113; Stuart, 124; 

Peale, 183, 231. 
Washington, Geo., commission of, 

128. 
Washington, Geo., statue of, Green- 

ough, 59; Mills, 39; Houdon's 

copy of, 107; early statue pro- 
posed, 18. 

Tomb of, 230. 

Martha, grave of, 230. 

Washington National Monument, 

192; Grounds, 192; Design, 192; 

Description, 195; Lapidarium, 

196 ; History, 196. 
Water supply, 46; Early schemes, 



Water supply — 

47; Aqueduct, 217; Ex] 

tal surveys, 218. 
Way land Seminary, 220. 
Westward Ho, 109. 
Wharves, 50. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Whipple, Fort, 216. 
White House-see Prest's Houa 
Williams, Roger, statue of, IC 
Winder's Building, 170. 
Wirt, Wm., residence of, 210; 

of, 206. 
Wirz, execution of, 173; grat 

226. 
Yellowstone, Grand CaSon of, 

ing, 107. 
Young Men's Christian Ass'n 
Zoological Society, 227. 
Zoology, District, 12. 



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